LOCAL TOBAGO ABOUT TO NEWS TURN UP FOR JAZZ
M
ark your calendars! The 11th Tobago Jazz Experience will be taking place between the 16th and 24th April. This year patrons can expect Ms. Lauryn Hill, J. Cole, Arturo Tappin and Band, Third World, Roy Cape featuring Blaxx, Grammy award winners Maxwell and Shaggy, and a host of other local and regional singers at the festival. The local acts were given as: David Rudder, Farmer Nappy, Patrice Roberts, 3 Canal, Roy Cape All Stars and Trinidadian jazz trumpeter Etienne Charles. The nine-day festival is the island’s biggest annual music event and has drawn musical enthusiasts from around the world along with chart-toppers such as John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott, George Benson, Erykah Badu, Trey Songz, Angie Stone and India Arie. The festival consists of: Jazz in the East - Saturday 20th April, Speyside Recreational Grounds, 6pm Hillside Jazz - Sunday 21st April, Signal Hill Recreational Grounds, 6pm Edu-Jazz - Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd April Jazz on the Waterfront Wednesday 24th April, Milford Road Esplanade, 6pm Northside Jazz - Thursday 25th April, Castara Beach, 1pm World Music Night - Friday 26th April, Pigeon Point Heritage Park (PPHP), 7:30pm Pazzazz - Saturday 27th April, PPHP, 7:30pm Jazz on the Beach - Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April, Mt. Irvine Bay, 11am Beach Jazz Fiesta - Sunday 28th April, PPHP, 4pm However, beyond festival activities, attendees can enjoy Tobago’s vibrant culture, rich history, tranquil beaches, diverse cuisine, renowned diving sites, exotic plants and wildlife. Tickets go on sale 14th March and can be purchased at any of the
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.
following locations according to the festival’s website www.tobagojazzexpereince.com: Penny Savers Supermarkets and Milford 24 Tobago (24 Hour Gas Station). As for purchasing tickets in Trinidad, it can be done at Crosby's North, Cleves One Stop Music Shop, Portof-Spain, Cache Outlets Nationwide. Despite the festival’s budget being cut by 20 percent, John Arnold, chairman of the Tobago Jazz
Experience, expects an even greater turnout to this year’s festival. Arnold stated he expects the turnout to be bigger than last year since he believes many people would have opted to attend Tobago Jazz rather than other festivals throughout the region. Arnold went on to say due to the budget reduction, its organizers had to become more creative. “Recognizing that we had a reduced budget we had to be creative in the way we
organized the festival. We dropped an entire show-Jazz Signal at Shaw Park but we have partnered with the Hotel Association to have Jazz on the Move. The committee dropped one event but compensated for this by introducing initiatives such as Jazz on the Move, which would highlight five of Tobago’s local bands in different hotels across the island.” The dropped budget also resulted in the committee seeking a line-up that would give them the greatest bang for their buck. Arnold said he expects a large youth turn out especially with J Cole being a part of the line-up. Like the St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, the Tobago Jazz Experience also utilizes social media metrics in determining its line up. Since the announcement that J Cole would be a part of the festival, Arnold said there has been wide social media traction particularly from the 20 to 35 demographic. “We’ve also seen a lot of traction with Maxwell who is kind of having a second birth,” he said. Many persons have been commenting on the Facebook page asking for the festival to confirm that the scheduled performers will be there on the various nights. Arnold indicated that there was no need for persons to worry as “contracts have been signed and down payments have been made.” The only question now is, will you be heading to Tobago for the 11th Jazz Experience?
www.amgtt.com • MARCH, 2016 • ET&T
1
LOCAL KIRK FRANKLIN TO HEADLINE TOBAGO CONCERT S W E N “I
n His Presence” (IHP) is a transformation Gospel event, that has in the past attracted persons from all cultural and religious backgrounds; locally, regionally and internationally. IHP brings together families and communities in Tobago and the sixth installment of this event takes place on Saturday 30th April 2016, at Shaw Park Complex, Tobago. Representatives of Dominion Promotions expressed excitement at the show’s prospects in light of the fact that the headlining act is none other than Kirk Franklin. Franklin is the Anchor and Executive Producer of BET’s hit program Sunday Best. He is also a multiple award winner having won nine Grammys, thirtynine Stellar Awards; Sixteen Dove Awards (CCM); Eight NAACP Image Awards; two BET Awards; an Ameri-
can Music Award; a Soul Train Award and more. In a media release, the promoters spoke highly of their headline act saying: “Kirk Franklin has influenced and motivated the lives of many individuals and he will be accompanied by his team including singers, musicians, manager and engineer. Additionally, he is the most sought after Gospel Artiste Internationally and we are happy to have him ministering on our Island.” Some of his award-winning songs are: Lean on Me, Imagine Me, Stomp, Revolution, Smile, Something about the Name Jesus, My Life is in Your Hands, Brighter Day and the recently released Wanna be Happy and 123 Victory. Sharing the stage with him will be local Artistes, Positive, Blessed Messenger, Michelle Modeste, Forward D Band and the dynamic MITA Academy and more.
RASKALITY REFRESHES SOUND WITH SIZZLA SAMPLE
W
hile most Caribbean entertainers tell reporters and by extension, the masses, that their musical ambitions are solely based on gaining international recognition, there’s one rising star who says he feels his mission is less self-serving. Set to unleash a seven-track EP entitled, ‘Alive and Well’ in the coming weeks, T&T artiste, Raskality says his purpose, when it comes to music, runs deeper. A track collaborated on by Raskality and fellow Trinidad and Tobago acts, Jamelody and Fadda Moses has been released today. It’s called, DNK (Dem Never Know). Raskality says he wants his lyrics to be heard by people across the world but he feels that the power that’s held in each word expressed, must first be used as a tool to uplift and inspire people at home in the Caribbean. “Artistes are influential people. We have a platform that many aren’t afforded. I believe in doing positive things with that platform,” he said. The first single off his EP, “DNK (Dem Never Know), fea-
2
Raskal
tures a sample of the music of well-known Jamaican reggae artiste, Sizzla Kalonji. Raskality admits the move is something quite unorthodox in the dancehall arena. “The song is a fusion of hip-hop, reggae and dancehall. I called on my brothers, Jamelody and Fadda Moses because I felt they each had something unique to offer to this project,” he said, explaining that Jamelody’s smooth sound and his natural appeal with female music fans, made him the perfect candidate for the track. On the other hand, he said he chose Fadda Moses because of his strong dancehall undertone.
ET&T • MARCH, 2016 • www.amgtt.com
“In Trinidad and Tobago, in our music industry, we’re sometimes a bit timid to do different things- set a different precedent, you know? ...I want to be known and appreciated for doing things differently,” said Raskality. His most recent time in the spotlight was in 2015 when he collaborated with local rapper, Lil Saint on a track called, “The ReBirth”. He acknowledges that the collaboration worked favorably for him and said he decided to work alongside DLL the producer of that track, to deliver something he feels will be embraced by all music appreciators across the world. “The song was written collaboratively by Jamelody, Fadda Moses and I. We each wrote our lyrics
for what we sang and in the end, I think what we’ve created is something you’d find people like DJ Khaled doing- fusing different energies, styles and flavours to create a blend that’s far superior to anything else,” said Raskality. Talks are underway for the song’s distribution to mainstream global music markets, by VP Atlanta. Already, Raskality’s looking toward the release of the second single off the EP. “I plan on releasing that track in a month’s time,” he said, emphasizing again that each single on the EP will give fans of music, something completely unique to hold on to. “I hope what I’m doing here will encourage other artistes to go against the musical norms, push for a different sound and think about wider markets. Music is an expression- an art, of each individual artiste’s vibe and feeling, what they stand for, so everyone doing the same thing is a bit redundant if you ask me. I’ve chosen to change up my game a bit and hopefully, people from all walks of life will understand it and enjoy it,” said the young idealist.
E S O C U L G Y B D E D E R R E E W O W P E S O PO C U L G #
LOCAL IT’S TIME TO GET EXCITED ABOUT LOCAL FASHION AGAIN NEWS T
SFWTT IS BACK!!
he Grenada leg of San Fernando Fashion Week Trinidad and Tobago took place in the Spice Island of Grenada from 04th to 6th February, 2016. After a successful event in Grenada the SFFWTT committee is in preparations for the Trinidad leg of the event titled “Mirror Image” which is to take place on 03rd April, 2016; One Show One Night. Model castings took place on Sunday 10th January, 2016 and models are in preparation and excited for this event which takes place at Royal Hotel in San Fernando. As the committee continues its preparation for this auspicious event, emphasis is being placed on the business side of the fashion sector as we see the need now more than ever to move away
from the Oil and Gas Industry and focus on the Fashion Industry of Trinidad and Tobago which could have great financial benefits for this country. Diversification of the Trinidad and Tobago economy has always
been the words of the SFFWTT producers over the years. Recognizing this and knowing the importance of business, after the runway event the producers of SFFWTT launched a Design Show Space Store Front and
opened its doors for business in June, 2015 making designer pieces available to the public for purchase after the runway event. This Design Show Space store front is located at Main Road, Marabella in San Fernando and continues to function successfully making designer pieces easily accessible to the public and assisting designers with the business side of fashion. In keeping with the promotion of sustainable businesses, this year’s event will again incorporate exhibitors, so as to produce yet another holistic fashion event, as fashion is not only about "the clothes" but also, incorporates art, craft, makeup, skin care, accessories and many other elements. For more information check out sandofashionweek on their various social media platforms.
VP RECORD’S VPAL MUSIC PROVIDING DISTRIBUTION OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRINBAGONIANS
A
fter eyeing Trinidad and Tobago’s musical landscape for “quite some time” VP Records through its sub label VP Associated Label (VPAL) has embarked on initiatives to provide distribution services for Trinidad and Tobago producers, label operators and artistes. Since VPAL’s launch in 2009, the indie sub-label has partnered and continues to partner with numerous artistes and producers throughout the world. Its main focus is to provide small label operators, producers and independent artistes access to diverse markets through distribution opportunities. VPAL through the established distribution channels of VP Records has access to over 600 online and mobile destinations in over 100 territories. One can expect nothing short of upheld agreements and delivery from a brand that is an extension of one of the largest independent record labels for Caribbean Music, spe4
ISM Breakout Artiste Jadel is one of the artistes to benefit from VPAL
cifically Reggae and Dancehall. The obvious interest in Trinidad and Tobago creations and creators is quite understandable as the label recognized the existing talent pool that is seeking access to larger markets. Donovan Williams, Senior Label Manager at VPAL is enthusiastic about the recent signing of Trinbagonian talents, he shared, “The music industry is changing daily and the services we offer is locked in with those changes. We have the resources to market and promote
ET&T • MARCH, 2016 • www.amgtt.com
worldwide, which allows our clients to compete globally with their music.” RKG, Tim Starr, Shurwayne Winchester, Ravi B, Saleem Beharry, Chris Garcia, Sally Sagram, Tony Prescott, K Kay Joseph, Adesh Samaroo, Jadel, Chef Jason, Nari Raghubir, Jesh Ramnanan, O’Neil Bhajman, Rishi Singh, Rooplal G, Terry Seales, Soca Elvis, Andy Singh, Calypso Rose, Mighty Sparrow and others will all benefit from distribution opportunities through VPAL
Music. To be even more specific to Trinidad and Tobago VPAL extended its business to a recently established division; VPAL Soca. While focusing on the talent available in the twin island republic the most popular genre would not be neglected. Of the aforementioned names many have been assigned to the Soca division joining the likes of Teddyson John, Alison Hinds and others. The agreement between VPAL and artistes, producers and small label owners is simple and straight forward. A percentage of what is earned is maintained by VPAL, promotional assistance is provided and access is given to distribution channels which is difficult for the average artiste to obtain. It is VPAL’s hope that through these agreements and opportunities the genre of Soca and Trinibagonian artistes, producers and label owners will achieve success in their musical endeavors. – Courtesy CreativA Media
I
LOCAL AVATAR NEWS “A CYCLE OF POSITIVE ENERGY” Photo by John Tilokee
n Trinidad and Tobago the tides are turning for the usually anticipated genre of music, as Thrash Metal music performances are making some stage presence in Trinidad. The story of Thrash Metal Music has been told many times before in foreign countries, more often than not, with a degree of uncertainty over which band was established first and who played what. Thrash Metal music was primarily born from heavy metal combining the crucial drum beat, with technical guitars playing and other instruments. It’s characterized by its fast tempo and overall aggression. Founded in 2006, self-taught, pure metal, thrash metal band, Avatar, is one of a kind in Trinidad and Tobago. The band members are Drummer, Dylan Beharry Singh and Vocals/Lead
Guitarist Kahdil Beharry Singh. They are managed by Dilly Ann Beharry Singh and sponsored by D Tatu club. The band plans to travel the world. Inspired by another Thrash Metal band named ‘Metallica’, Avatar was born and is now a two person band. “We chose this
particular genre because of the adrenaline rush it releases when we create the music, the energy that comes out from playing such music is what we live for, said Beharry Singh.” Avatar original songs include: Bleed your Eyes, Cursed Within, Imbalance of the Cosmos, Through Reality, Dying Inside, Draining Evil from its Source, Feeling of Life and many more. Kahdil explains what inspires the band’s lyrics, “The reality within us and world issues, and the humanness, our ability to adapt and defy the societal constraints caused by certain forces”. After performing at Tattoo Camp 2015 Titled ‘The Revolution Begins’, at the Sound Cloud Pub, Destination Bar and Lounge, along with the Lure and many more, on November 28th , the band Avatar will be perform-
ing at ‘Forest Fest’ at the Simaan Tree Bar, Aranguez Trinidad. The band has little finances and gigs are not taken for granted. “Managing the band is often difficult since we do not have access to various resources such as: sponsorship, air play and a record label, just to name a few, said Dilly Ann.” That set back does not stop the band performances.” The enthusiasm for the band is growing as it is currently in the process of applying for the Wacken Open Air, Metal Battle Caribbean which is hosted in Suriname. The winning band gets the opportunity to perform in Germany at Wacken, a concert that has an average crowd of 86,000 Heavy Metal fans. Avatar plans to release a full album and video in 2016 and tour outside of the Caribbean.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR TRINIDAD+TOBAGO FILM FESTIVAL NOW OPEN
T
he call for submissions, for filmmakers wishing to have their film screened at the eleventh edition of the trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff), which takes place from 20 September to 02 October, is now open. The ttff seeks to highlight excellence in filmmaking through the exhibition of fiction and documentary feature and short films made in T&T, the Caribbean and its diaspora. The Festival therefore accepts submissions from Caribbean filmmakers, Caribbean filmmakers in the diaspora, and international filmmakers with films from or about the Caribbean or its diaspora. Submissions must have been produced after 01 January 2014. Films screened in competition are eligible for one or more jury prizes. There are also several people’s choice awards. All awards come with a cash prize. All submissions must be made online, via the ttff Visitor Page at https://vp.eventival.eu/ttff/2016 6
ET&T • MARCH, 2016 • www.amgtt.com
Girlhood, dir: Céline Sciamma, 2014 / France
Margarita with a Straw, dir: Shonali Bose, 2014 / India
There is no submission fee. Submissions will not be returned. The ttff seeks to make all screenings at the Festival T&T premieres. Occasionally, however, the Festival considers films that have already been shown publicly in T&T. Please contact us directly if you have a film that falls into this category, or if you have any other queries, at submit@ttfilmfestival. com. The ttff reserves the right to determine the eligibility of the submissions to be screened at the Festival, the appropriate venues and time slots for the screening of films, and to use excerpts of the films for publicity purposes. All films submitted must have applicable clearances and the Festival will not be held liable. The deadline for all submissions is 15 may 2016 and this deadline will be strictly followed. Submissions will not be accepted if they do not meet the required criteria.
HYDRATION
the key to skin that glows from within Introducing Neutrogena@ Hydro Boost Water Gel. Has your skin started to lose its get up and glow? Dehydration is a common culprit. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, new Hydro Boost is clinically proven to quench skin instantly and release continuous hydration all day. Skin is plump, deeply hydrated, and back to its glowing self. • Lightweight gel texture WHAT IS
• Oil free
HYALURONIC ACID?
Hyaluronic acid (HA), naturally found in skin, is a powerful hydrator that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It plays a critical role in keeping skin cells* hydrated and “plumped,” resulting in supple, youthful-looking skin. We lose Hyaluronic acid over time, but the added HA in Hydro Boost works to help keep skin hydrated and smooth, with a healthy-looking glow.
neutrogena.com/hydroboost
*stratum corneum layer Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2016
REGIONAL NEWS just get away, kill off innocent people and run gone hide and live like all is well,” he said. “Dem anxious fi kill, is like dem have this bitterness ina dem heart. It hurt me fi see how dem deal wid it.” He urged the public to provide any information that could help locate his son’s killer. This news comes two weeks after Luciano was up for a Best Reggae Album Grammy award for his album, Zion Awake.
LUCIANO’S SON STABBED TO DEATH IN KINGSTON Revered reggae stalwart, Luciano is in mourning after his teenage son was stabbed to death during an incident in Kingston. According to police reports, Menelik McClymont, 19 was stabbed multiple times in the vicinity of Maths Unlimited, near Parkington Plaza in Half-Way-Tree and succumbed to his wounds a day later. A sombre Luciano took to YouTube to speak about the incident, hitting out at the senselessness of the killing. “Dem kill mi son… The youth a go school and the man dem lay wait him… These culprits cyaan
BEENIE MAN'S DAUGHTER GRADUATES, DOC SAID SHE WOULD DIE AT 3 Jamaican dancehall star Beenie Man is a very proud father, indeed, after his daughter graduated from high school - despite being told by doctors that she wouldn't live past her third birthday. The performer's daughter, Desha 'Crystal' Davis, was born premature with underdeveloped lungs. According to Beenie Man, Crystal was treated in an American hospital where she remained in an incubator for nine months. "One doctor say she nah live past three," the Who Am I star revealed. He added: "When she turned 12, her lungs developed. She lucky."
WORLD NEWS
TUPAC MEMORABILIA IS GOING UP FOR SALE Some rare items owned by the late Tupac Shakur are about to go on sale. TMZ reports that three notebooks of Tupac’s lyrics and ideas as well as a couple of CDs containing unreleased music are going to be sold to the highest bidder. The memorabilia was found by accident as the current owner obtained them while searching for baseball cards on Craigslist. The seller apparently had these Tupac items as his dad worked with the rapper for years. For whatever reason, these items were thrown into 8 ET&T • MARCH, 2016 • www.amgtt.com
the sale. The new owner is selling the items through a website called Moments in Time. This was the same site that sold Tupac’s handwritten notes from prison for $255,000. It appears that these newly discovered items will go for a high price too as the two pages of notes for Tupac’s “Point the Finga” music video are expected to go for at least $35,000. According to TMZ, Tupac’s relatives are trying to block the sale of the items. The late rapper’s mother, Afeni Shakur, has a policy of pursuing any buyers and sellers of her son’s personal items.
KANYE WEST: “NO MORE CDS FROM ME" In the aftermath of the rollout to his The Life Of Pablo album, which reportedly is still a work in progress, Kanye West says he will no longer be releasing his music on an industry standard. "I was thinking about not making CDs ever again... Only streaming,” the Chicago rapperproducer writes on Twitter. "the Yeezus album packaging was an open casket to CDs r.i.p,” The CD version of Yeezus, Kanye West’s 2013 album, came without artwork, only a red sticker on the edge of the CD case.
The King of Dancehall posted a photo of his daughter in her graduation cap and gown on social media last week. “So proud of this beautiful young lady Ms. Crystal Davis,” he captioned the image on his Instagram account. "uuuuuuum, so there it is... No more CDs from me,”Kanye West writes. West's statements run counter to the reports last month that The Life of Pablo will be sold in deluxe physical edition. Kanye West then turns his comments from his music to his personality. "question... Why do people not want me to be me?” he writes. "I want people to be the best version of themselves and I will be the best version of me. Growing and learning but not being told to stop ...not being stunted. Please avoid trying to talk me out of being me in the future.”
MODEL MANIA Name: Britini Andrew Age: 23 Hometown: Arima Hobbies: Make-up artistry, Fit-
ness, Scientific and Medical Research If you are looking for a fresh face, this is it. Beautiful Britini has only been dabbling in the modeling arena for about two months. She approached it strategically, doing several professional photo shoots to build her portfolio during that period. She does have a bit of background since she did promos for a host of corporate bodies for three years prior. Gregory Reyes has handled the brunt of her photo work so
far, but she is open to working with more photographers. The young talent has great taste in fashion and you can tell by her choice of favourite designers. Heather Jones and Claudia Pegus are her picks. In her short time networking on the modeling circuit she has already made her way into two television ads in a couple of weeks. Ms. Andrews admits to being bitten by the “advertising bug” and she is definitely looking forward to doing more as she develops her
craft. In terms of her figure, Britini incorporates all of the major food groups into her diet to make it as colourful as possible. She stresses that fruits are her favourite snack. With her affinity for fitness, regular exercise also plays a major part. We wonder how she gets it all done since she has to balance her modeling aspirations and personal life with the pursuance of a Psychology degree at COSTAATT. All we can say is, beauty and brilliance is quite the combination.
B R I T I N I Photos by Gregory Reyes
A N D R E W
10 ET&T • MARCH, 2016 • www.amgtt.com
DREAM
GUY
Guevara The message of his life's goals was to follow your passions, dreams, creativity & focus it all into what you believe in. FAVOURITE FOOD: Give me BBQ or some burgers & I'm great! THE WAY TO YOUR HEART IS: Through food, family life, humour and loyalty. YOU'D NEVER: Break the trust of a best friend. ANY PETS?: I absolutely love pets. BEFORE YOU DIE YOU’LL: Travel the world and experience new cultures. FAVOURITE ARTIST: Miguel. I think his work & style is timeless. FAVOURITE MUSIC: It all depends on my vibe. FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A MEAL: Overlooking the beach next to a bonfire with beers and my closest friends. EVER CHEATED?: Nope. I take relationships seriously. FREAKIEST THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE: hooking up with two Puerto Rican instagram models I met at the Wall Lounge on South Beach in Miami, while I attended pilot school at ADF Airways.. Wasn't sure if they were best friends or sisters, but they did resemble a lot. That I wasn't too proud of. lol YOUR WEAK SPOT: My neck YOUR MOTIVATION: My hunger & determination for success. I love proving others wrong, while at the same time being better than I was the day before.
12 ET&T • MARCH, 2016 • www.amgtt.com
Photographer: Ghansham Mohammed
NAME: Vimalesh George Andre Subeeksingh AGE: 24 HEIGHT: 5' 7.7" WEIGHT: 154lbs CAREER: Fitness model / Event Manager / Director of True Gains LTD. BRIEFS OR BOXERS: Fitted boxer briefs, but I usually like to mix it up, even if it means going commando. F A V O U R I T E SCENT: David Beckham Instinct FAVOURITE THING: The outdoors YOUR DREAM GIRL: Articulate, funny with a great personality, sense of humour & sense of style. Humility & passion deep down with the Rhianna attitude to cover it all up. Impression & drive says it all.. She doesn't have to be the best looking in the World, but when she walks into a room she must captivate everyone's attention. I usually go for women who are artistically inclined with music, fashion, food, makeup or painting. A thrill seeker & adrenaline junkie like myself someone who can travel the World & take on new adventures every step of the way. My dream girl most of all should know about family & loyalty.. not only be my woman, but my best friend as well; not only understand each other, but "overstand" life itself. YOU WERE HEARTBROKEN: I was heartbroken once, I’ve learned that everything isn’t for us. YOUR HERO: Che
BEAUTY S
LAVISH YOUR LIPS
ome say actions speak louder than words. Others let their money talk for them. However, we feel it’s time we actually make the most of our mouths and let our lips do the talking. Rock out with makeup that actually says something. With these lip colour choices you may end up being the talk of the town.
Yellow is usually associated with cowardice, but it takes someone courageous to pull off this exhilaratingly bold look.
Sometimes the simpler option works best. This nude look is a knockout.
Embrace your mocha magic with complimentary lush, dark tones.
14 ET&T • MARCH, 2016 • www.amgtt.com
BEAUTY
Pump up your pout with this pretty pink shade.
This earthy lip tone treads the line between shy and sultry.
The sky is the limit with lip colour. It’s only polite that we pay homage with this banging blue.
www.amgtt.com • MARCH, 2016 • ET&T 15
ET&T
HOT
SEAT
DAVID RUDDER
D
avid Michael Rudder is one Calypsonian who possesses the unique ability to make you ponder social issues, and wine all at once. Versatile, opinionated and conscious minded he has been able to capture local, regional and international audiences with his militant approach. We chatted with him recently. ET&T: Desperadoes are the 2016 Panorama champions. What impact do you think this win can have on the Laventille Community? David Rudder: Hopefully it will have an impact on Laventille. Despers is a band that is dear to my heart and soul and to see the band meandering for so many years…you know this is a band that you expect to win, but it started to become painful and being out of one’s own environment, you can try as hard as you want, somehow something from whatever new environment you are in takes over. So this doubled the magnitude of the win because it’s like they are moving from pillar to post but somehow they got this one down and thanks to the arranger who is very similar in style to Clyde Bradley. I think that we are back and hopefully that energy could punctuate the whole society and make people feel good about themselves again. ET&T: Last year you did not seem too pleased about the quality of Calypsos particularly at the Dimanche Gras, how do you feel about this year’s offerings? David Rudder: Things are beginning to change…especially the young man who came second (Helon Francis). He is doing something that is very strange but beautifully strange and I am hearing little things with the youngsters that give me hope that a new energy is
coming in. There was a time when you could almost predict what the finals would be like and who would sing what. Even Chucky who was the defending champ has already brought a certain life to the thing. Devon Seales is there….he has been there for a long time, so this is like a new order coming through.
ET&T: In terms of continuity, do you think that we are doing enough to get the next young person excited about being a Calypsonian? David Rudder: That is a tough one to answer because it is either you love yourself or you don’t. One of the problems we have is that there is a whole generation that grew up outside of Trinidad. When I say outside, I mean they live here
16 ET&T • MARCH, 2016 • www.amgtt.com
but they don’t really know anything about the culture of Trinidad. They know about other people’s society. So when they have to create, they cannot create from the source of that vast wellspring of Calypso culture. They have to create from what they don’t know. So that manifests in the kind of music. They struggle to find a center.
ET&T: But we can’t really stop that because of globalization and the exposure to different genres so how do we temper that so that they can have a preference for their own? David Rudder: Well you see the thing about Trinidadians is that we are afraid of our own voice so at the end of the day we are the ones who
follow fashion. The other societies don’t, so it’s up to the youngsters to find ‘our’ voice and be proud of it. It’s not about people saying how we get them to do it. It is for them to get themselves to do it. I used to sing R&B but at the end of the day we just grew up and we always had ‘our’ voice. What I developed as a new style was from what I absorbed but it is still a Trinidadian style. It wasn’t anybody else’s style. So you have to start by loving yourself and listening to your own voice. But we struggle with the voice.
ET&T: We know that there can’t be another David Rudder but do you see yourself in any of the younger ones coming? David Rudder: Well Helon has a little style that feels like someone
HOT SEAT who thinks out the box which is what I do. I’m even flattered by hearing some of the little elements of my work in certain songs and so on.
5 people contribute because they don’t want to deal with that. That’s how we operate. We make ah set ah noise and then we do the Bhagi thing. We boil down.
ET&T: There is an underlying theme of spirituality throughout your music. What accounts for this? David Rudder: I love what I do so much that it comes out when I express it and especially if there is a nice vibration between me and the audience it forces my spirit to release more spiritual pheromones for want of a better description and that’s what you hope to achieve. I always tell the young ones that the stage is my home and they should not be afraid to go on stage. When you walk down the road and you finally open your front door and you lock that behind you. That’s how you must feel when you go on stage, that’s how I felt the first time at the age of 9 when I went on stage and I never forgot that feeling. That is where I knew that this is what I had to do.
ET&T: What are your thoughts about the link between vulgarity, dress and sexual violence? David Rudder: If that was the case…when you see tribes…women naked and everything is cool, like no fuss. What stops the men from seeing these women as sex objects? What stops them from raping and pillaging? So the issue here is much deeper than just what a woman wears or how she dances. You see a woman wine and you say aye you eh see that woman! That is a nice wine eh! Yes there are people who go to the extreme but if a camera zooms in on them, tomorrow and for the rest of their life people will say ‘it was you who was simulating sex on the stage?’ and they will have to live with that. That is how the society itself tends to manners people.
ET&T: Increasing experimentation in Soca music has received mixed reviews. How do you feel about this movement? David Rudder: Over the last set of years there has been a lot of crazy stuff and then maybe 3 or 4 songs kind of bubble to the surface. I think this year there was more than that but there were more interesting melodies and approaches to the thing…I look at 5 Star Akil, the Voice and Helon just to name a few and they are doing something that is still different. Hopefully they can carry it on because this is not a ‘one trick pony’. The other thing is that there was a whole generation who I guess because of my success, left the world of the sobriquet which separates the artiste from the persona. For instance ‘Chalkdust’ is Hollis Liverpool and if your name is Emmanuel Superville, that don’t sound so good but I noticed that now there is ‘The Voice’ and ‘Lucy’…so they are starting to get back to that second person. ET&T: What is the power in that?
David Rudder: When you step out you become that! Explainer was Winston Henry and then somebody in the tent said no, no, no! You sing like you are explaining things and the tradition was for the senior Calypsonian to bless the new ones and give them their name. Blakie gave Stalin that name ‘Black Stalin’ but I was singing for twenty something years and even before I got famous I was always David Rudder and it sounds like Frank Sinatra. It’s a name that sounds like the stage and at the end of the day when I go on stage I am no longer David Rudder because I become the song…so Mr. Anthony Silver is a taxi driver for 363 days of the year but for 2 days he is ‘The Dragon’ because when he puts on that costume and he comes out of the yard and starts to dance that thing he is no longer a taxi driver…each time you step on stage it’s possession. ET&T: So people can lose themselves within the 2 day festival…How do you therefore feel about the recent discourse on lewdness and vulgarity among women in particular at Carnival? David Rudder: First of all the vulgarity argument has been
running for a hundred or a million years anyhow. There was a time when people used to dance and just make a little dip and that was seen as vulgar but the thing is that people overdo. Carnival is a time of excess. That is what it is about. It is why the whole situation about having lent comes about. You say farewell to the flesh. You give yourself up to the things of the flesh, then it climaxes and then you say well alright I had enough of that.
ET&T: Do you think we are going too far in terms of the behavior around Carnival? David Rudder: Trinidad has gone too far. The problem with Trinidad is that we are so insecure that we go to the extreme as a shield to gain security. That’s why we are afraid of our own voice. So all societies tend to reflect the opposite of what they are. So we make ah set ah noise. We show off. But after the noise is nothing. It’s like I put up a picture of a mango on Facebook and a hundred and something thousand people zero in on my page and then I say alright…leh we talk about what happen for Carnival or let’s talk about the death of this Japanese girl, leh we talk about the school boys in Laventille and
ET&T: Do you think Mayor Tim Kee should have resigned? David Rudder: What I would say is that he is the first man to start Trinidad on the journey toward a whiff of what First World life is because nobody resigns in the Third World. Nobody thinks about it. So maybe in his own way he is leading a revolution. If just a whiff of something happens in a First World society, that person puts pen to paper and says I am sorry. I am gone. It’s a no brainer. But here it’s like ‘doh do that boy!’ And it is part of the lawlessness of the place even though the lawlessness brings a certain beauty because it brought the steelpan. If we were not lawless we would never have redefined this drum, the same drum that we weren’t supposed to play during the days of slavery…we bring it out into a different form, a more beautiful form. ET&T: What are your post Carnival plans? David Rudder: I head out to North America, I head home and then I go to Miami at the end of the month and then I am back here for Tobago Jazz.
www.amgtt.com • MARCH, 2016 • ET&T 17
TRIPLE BUTTER COMPLEX
TO NOURISH LIPS
© 2016 Revlon
CHOOSE TO FLIRT CHOOSE LOVE REVLON CRAYON COLLECTION Three flirty finishes to choose from: ultrasmooth balm stain, velvety matte, and high-shine lacquer. For a love that’s always playful— in 20 craveable, collectible shades. OLIVIA WILDE WEARS LACQUER BALM IN PROVOCATEUR CHOOSE YOUR SHADE AT REVLON.COM
MONDAY MEMORIES
arnival Monday truly kicks off the Carnival street paC rade beginning with loads of
EVENTS
Jouvert jamishness in the wee hours of the morning. When the sun comes up, the spectacle of mas continues as thousands of masqueraders flock to the streets in Monday Wear, branded t-shirts and scaled down costumes. This is what all the fetes led up to and it is undoubtedly an epic experience. ET&T was part of the first day of the street parade and here is a bit of it. Can’t wait till next year.
www.amgtt.com • MARCH, 2016 • ET&T 19
EVENTS
20 ET&T • MARCH, 2016 • www.amgtt.com
EVENTS
TUESDAY TABANCA
e have a Tabanca W and its not curryrelated. The season
some of us live for is done and dusted and the next Carnival is over 300 days away. Thank God we have some photos to remind us of the special short season that was. This is an ode to Carnival Tuesday.
22 ET&T • MARCH, 2016 • www.amgtt.com
EVENTS
www.amgtt.com • MARCH, 2016 • ET&T 23
FETE FLASHBACKS
EVENTS EXTRA month has gone since the Greatest Show on Earth ended and we can A barely come to terms with it. As we try
to hold back the tears we reminisce on the season that was. The epic performances, the wining, the waving and sundry things that came together to formulate our favourite fetes. Here is a small reminder of what we have to wait almost an entire year to experience again. Sigh!
www.amgtt.com • MARCH, 2016 • ET&T 25
OUT AND ABOUT
he good guys at FP were working hard at T various locations and we found the usual deviants doing their most to flout fashion principles. We are using them as examples, so you don’t make the same mistakes.
Underwear is for under clothing. This dude doesn’t seem to know this. His jockey shorts were on full blast since he decided to tuck his jersey in his undies while his pants were sagging. Not cool.
This amateur footage is further proof that there are more mad people outside than inside. She was trying to catch a bus to evade the Fashion Five-O, but nobody escapes fashion police. We’re not sure what design she used her kitchen curtain material to make, but it’s quite unflattering. She’s got some questions to answer.
ISLAND CELEBRITIES
PAPARAZZI
ENTERTAINMENT PUBLICIST ADANNA ASSON SHARES A PHOTO WITH CURTIS EMMANUEL OF THE PRESTIGE ALL-INCLUSIVE COMMITTEE
JILLIONAIRE MEETS CALYPSO ROSE ON THE ROAD AT CARNIVAL
BREAKOUT STAR SALTY GETS INTERVIEWED BACKSTAGE AT AN EVENT
www.amgtt.com • MARCH, 2016 • ET&T 27
CELEB PROFILE
MARIA SHARAPOVA
Name: Maria Yuryevna Sharapova Age: 28 (April 19, 1987) Profession: Tennis Player Story: Maria was born in Nyagan, Russia. She started playing tennis at an early age and turned professional at the age of 14. Sharapova won Wimbledon in 2004 against Serena Williams and has gone on to win the U.S. Open and Australian Open. In 2012, she won the French Open, becoming the 10th woman to complete a career Grand Slam. At the 2012
Summer Olympic Games—Sharapova's Olympic debut—she won a silver medal in women's singles, losing the gold to American tennis star Serena Williams. In June 2014, Sharapova regained momentum when she won her second French Open title against Simona Halep. After advancing to the final of the 2015 Australian Open, she then lost in the fourth round at the French Open, her earliest exit from the tournament since 2010. In March 2016, Sharapova an-
nounced that she had failed a drug test at the Australian Open in January. At a press conference, the tennis star said that she had tested positive for the drug Mildronate, which she had been taking for health issues since 2006. The drug was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) prohibited list on January 1, 2016.
Off the court, Sharapova's beauty and popular appeal have led to major commercial endorsements with companies including Nike and Tiffany & Co. She is also known for her high profile celebrity relationships. She dated Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, Slovenian NBA player Sasha Vujacic and Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov.
MOVIES
TWO FICTION FOLLOW-UPS TO HAVE YOU IN A FRENZY I
t’s fiction fever! Big movies from Marvel and DC are coming up and the world awaits them in all their CGI glory. However, there are other fantastical films that should not be overlooked. Take these two for example.
The Huntsman: Winter's War Discover the fantastic origins of The Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) in this prequel to Snow White and the Huntsman from Universal Studios and writer/director Frank Darabont (The Green Mile, The Mist). As two evil sisters prepare to conquer the land; two renegades - Eric the Huntsman - who previously Ravenna, and his forbidden lover, aided Snow White in defeating Sara set out to stop them. 28 ET&T • MARCH, 2016 • www.amgtt.com
X-Men: Apocalypse Following the critically acclaimed global smash hit X-Men: Days of Future Past, director Bryan Singer returns with X-MEN: APOCALYPSE. Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshipped as a god. Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel's X-Men universe, amassed the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible. Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the world as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender), to cleanse mankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. As the fate of
the Earth hangs in the balance, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) with the help of Professor X (James McAvoy) must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction.
BILL PAYMENT
TOP UP
ET&T IS PUBLISHED BY ABSTRACT MEDIA GROUP, PREMIUM COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, SAN JUAN, TRINIDAD, W.I. • TEL: (868) 638 1156/9 • FAX: (868) 638 1160. PRINTED BY THE OFFICE AUTHORITY - PRINTING DIVISION AND DISTRIBUTED BY AMG