LOCAL BREAK OUT ARTISTE ADANA NEWS SPREADS BLACK GIRL MAGIC
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obagonian vocal sensation Adana Roberts is a local treasure, who is well on her way to becoming a household name. Known on stage only as Adana (previously Princess Adana), she won this year’s ISM Breakout Artiste award with her Spine-produced gem ‘Doh Tote.’ Having basked in the glow of her latest accomplishment for just under a month, the chocolate-complexioned singer accommodated an ET&T interview where she spread her Black Girl Magic. First she expressed gratitude for her Breakout Artiste title before delving into some of her new targets. Adana is known for her wide-ranging vocal ability so it is no surprise that she intimated a genre shift is in the works for her next release. “I am in the process of completing my reggae single to be released soon and completing my very first reggae album as well” she said before noting that her versatility naturally lends her to dabbling in genres which are more expressive and allow her to showcase her range. In fact, Adana posits she is most comfortable when performing reggae. “While Soca allows me to be more free, reggae allows me to fully use my voice and also speak to persons on a more social and personal level.” Speaking of performances, Adana has opened for Roberta Flack and worked the same stage as Lauryn Hill. However, when recalling her most memorable performance thus far, she points to singing ‘Fire Fire’ with fellow Tobago talent Calypso Rose. Still to reach age 30, Adana promises many more memorable presentations to come. With negative news dominating media spectra, Adana took some time to touch on social issues, saying if she could only advocate for one issue it would be ending violence against women and children. She made it known that this emotional issue touches her personally without getting into the dark details. “It's very close to my heart as women very close to me have
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.
suffered such.” Fellow mocha musician (and current Hot Seat interviewee) Terri Lyons expressed that dark skinned people such as herself find it hard-
er to succeed in entertainment than those with lighter hues. However, Adana seemed more positive in her analysis. While she admits a bias exists, she sees a light for
darkies in the industry. “While I would like to agree, I am seeing that this is slowly changing. In the past for me it was a topic. Being of a darker complexion and not fitting the so-called mold of what a headline female act should look like meant that many times I was overlooked. Melanin and black women of every shade are being heavily celebrated now. We still have a long way to go, but I believe we are getting to the place where the color of the skin or the shade of black is no longer a factor.” No doubt, Adana has the ability to change perceptions not just through performances, but also via her platform as a Radio Tambrin personality. She described working on air as “a blessing” and said that gig also assists her in developing her musical craft. “It helps with the recording and production process because now I have a first-hand view as to what the listening public is listening for,” she claimed before adding that it also improved the way she communicates with others. The way she interacts is important to Adana. She believes the connection she shares with people through music is the most fulfilling part of her job. She loves to be able to make people happy. As far as her next move on her journey of fulfillment, Adana simply wants to continue making and releasing great music so she can “tour the world doing what [she] loves.”
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MARCH, 2017 • ET&T
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LOCAL NEWS A
WINNER’S ROW
fter last year’s frenetic short season, all stakeholders seemed overly thrilled to have a full season of fetes, soca and more. Despite the pace there were some things that slowed down. The tempo of music for one, continued to drop with Dubstep and EDM-laced musical inflections dominating airwaves. In fact, a true mid-tempo track ran away with this year’s Road March. However, this year was as wide open in terms of competition as anyone could guess. Leading up to the Panorama, International Soca Monarch, Calypso Monarch and Chutney Monarch it seemed as though anyone could come out victorious in their respective competitions. In the end, familiar faces reigned with a few new people emerging for good measure. There was also a fair share of controversy related to this year’s competitive proceedings, but all in all the judges were allowed to have the last say. Here are some of the people who stand proud in Winner’s Row.
MONARCH – Omardath Maharaj / Ravi B – (Ramsingh / Budget) CALYPSO MONARCH – Hollis ‘Chalkdust’ Liverpool (Learn From Arithmetic)
CARNIVAL BAND OF THE YEAR – Ronnie & Caro (Fearless 10) CARNIVAL KING –Ted Eustace ('Crypto '- Lord of the Galaxy) CARNIVAL QUEEN – Krystal Thomas (De Nebula) 2
YOUNG KING – Rohan ‘Fireball’ Richards (Calypso Music) CALYPSO QUEEN – Sasha Ann Moses (The Main Witness)
– Maria Bhola La Caille (My First Lady) SOCIAL COMMENTARY – Terri Lyons (The Phrase) HUMOROUS CALYPSO – Myron Bruce – (More Mad Than Me)
EXTEMPO MONARCH – Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters
INTERNATIONAL SOCA MONARCH – Voice (Far From Finished)
POLITICAL COMMENTARY
CHUTNEY SOCA
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PANORAMA CHAMPS (Large) – Massy All Stars (Full Extreme) PANORAMA CHAMPS (Medium) – Pan Elders ("Roti") PANORAMA CHAMPS (Small) – LH Pan Groove (In De Minor) ROAD MARCH CHAMPION – The Ultimate Rejects featuring MX Prime (Full Extreme)
CARIBBEANTALES FLOW INTO PRODUCTION: L A C O L LEADING FILM PRODUCERS BEGIN PRODUCTION ON THREE NEW PILOTS NEWS T
hree of the Caribbean’s leading film producers will now develop pilots for their original TV series projects via funding from Flow and CaribbeanTales Media Group.
With $40,000 funding for each project, production work will begin on Battledream Chronicle, a sci-fi/ drama animated series created by Alain Bidard, which is based on his groundbreaking multi-award winning feature film; Heat, a sweltering crime/drama series filmed in Barbados from iconic filmmaker Menelik Shabazz (Burning an Illusion, The Story of Lover’s Rock and more); and Caribbean Girl NYC, an ensemble female-driven sitcom from NY-based Guadeloupian filmmaker/ producer Mariette Monpierre, whose award-winning film Elza won, among others, the prestigious NYT award. Support for these pilots is part of CaribbeanTales Incubator Program
Cable and Wireless CEO John Reid (left) with Battledream Chronicle creator Alain Bidard (right) at the TIFF Bell Lightbox at the culmination of the CTI Big Pitch in 2016.
(CTI), a year-round development and production hub for Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora Producers to support the creation of strong, compelling and sustainable regional content for the global market. “We recognize the significant hurdles that Caribbean Producers face in financing and producing their content, and getting it out to audiences,” said John Reid, CEO of Cable & Wireless, operator of Flow and lead sponsor of CTI.
“We are honored to help support this program that is enabling the production and monetization of this exciting emerging cultural industry.” Production on the pilots will begin in April 2017. They will premier later this year at the twelfth annual CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (CTFF). Flow is also the lead sponsor of CTFF, a mix of exciting and dynamic films that showcase diverse, shared stories and cultures, and it celebrates the talents of established and emerg-
ing filmmakers of Caribbean heritage. The festival will be held in Toronto, Canada between September 6 and September 20, 2017. As an added bonus, an eight-part documentary series has been filmed and is currently in post-production. The series follows the ten teams of filmmakers who competed for this prestigious award, and will be shown on Flow1 later this year. Frances-Anne Solomon, CEO of CaribbeanTales, states, “We are delighted that, together with Flow, we are able to provide the Caribbean’s top filmmakers with funding and a platform to produce top quality, local, content with the capacity to reach audiences across the region and the world.” Visit the CTI website for more information and to apply for the 2017 CTI programme. And follow Flow and CaribbeanTales on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date. CTI is now accepting applications for its 2017 programme online.
INTERNATIONAL HAIR STYLIST HOSTS SHORT HAIR ROCKS TT A
fter several years abroad, Candice Harry, International Hair Stylist returned to T&T last year and founded her own brand of hair care and a salon under the brand, 'House of Kathy' located in Woodbrook, Port of Spain. While in New York, she was on the cutting edge of “short hair-don’t care” movement having worked on the hair of notable reality TV stars and film actors. Getting back into the local hair care scene has opened Harry's eyes to a new passion - sharing her knowledge and giving back to the local hair care industry from her wealth of experience. “Working with local clients, I was really shocked and saddened to see, probably the most amount of hair
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damage I have ever come across, such as alopecia (baldness) and other effects from bad hair experiences – especially among the younger clients!” “The way people are doing things now; it’s like the love has been lost in hair styling. I am all about adding value and giving back. Let’s go back to the basics and really love our customers’ hair, the safe way. I believe in the hair industry in Trinidad and I know that we can make our name worldwide. It's not about being selfish. It's all about each one teach one." This month, Harry will be bringing her special brand of short hair artistry to two weekends of luxury hair workshops entitled, "#ShortHairRocksTT”, which will cover two topics - Short
Hair Artistry as well as Hair Extension Placement. The theme of the workshops will celebrate the uniqueness of Trinbagonian women, their style and their love of variety and distinct Caribbean flair for hair. Workshop patrons will be wined and dined at the luxurious Estate 101 venue and those attending weekend one will also receive a House of Kathy #ShortHairRocksTT Styling Manual, exclusively available at the Short Hair Artistry workshop. For more information on the #ShortHairRocksTT Luxury Hair workshops, find The House of Kathy Salon on Facebook.com, register online for directly at https:// kathy279.typeform.com/ to/L6QC8n, email houseofkathysalon@gmail.com.
LOCAL NEWS F
resh off of what he describes as an “astonishing” Carnival season, David ‘Millbeatz’ Millien has his sights set on large scale success throughout 2017. The accomplished beatsmith spent a lot of time during C2K17 experiencing the atmosphere at ground level in fetes and on the road and he believes this has afforded him the ability to get even more in touch with what the people want musically. Piggybacking off that new energy, Millien seems set to conquer the world and he has confidence he is on the right path with what he has lined up. The producer is usually one of the first to grace the airwaves with new riddims after the carnival period and he said his fans have been incessantly inquiring about a new release. Not one to let his fans down, David shared that he has two projects due for release before Easter. Without letting too much out
MILLBEATZ SHARES BILLBOARD ASPIRATIONS
the bag, he also added that he has an international project coming soon. “I would just let the work speak for itself” Millien stated in relation to the upcoming release. Millbeatz spoke exclusively of a soon-to-be-launched single featuring Ricochae and Asten Isaac entitled “Look So Good.” He stood by the track’s global appeal saying “That track we are aiming
at the billboards with.” Apart from crashing billboards, Millbeatz is still keen on developing emerging artistes and said he is working especially closely with a couple of them. This should fall in line closely with his endeavour of launching his record label, MillbeatzMusicRecords – a process he is in the final stages of.
In the meantime, Millbeatz is constantly perfecting and evolving his own craft. “Currently I’m experimenting and creating a new sound that is a blend of R&B, Hip Hop, Soca & Reggae that I’m really excited about,” he said. He said his international sojourns gave him new perspectives and a network which could make his success with this a reality. He said his travels also opened him up to soca music’s global potential. “Soca Music is currently on the edge and is going to be the next big genre… The entire world is tuned into us now. Our culture, Our music, Our sound” he proclaimed. He used that as a segue to appeal to local creatives to unite stronger than ever before in order to make a breakthrough possible. We wish Millbeatz all the best as he moves forward with his career and exposes Trinidad & Tobago to the world.
NEW FESTIVAL TO LAUNCH IN TOBAGO T
he first ever Tobago Jazz Film Festival - a celebration of music and Tobago through film - will be launched on 21 April 2017, as part of the Tobago Jazz Experience. An initiative of the trinidad+tobago film festival and corporate sponsor, Flow, the Tobago Jazz Film Festival will screen in the open air, with films by Tobagonian filmmakers as well as international films with a focus on music. There will also be an industry workshop for Tobago-based filmmakers. Admission to all events is free. The lineup of Festival events is as follows: Sat 22 April, 9am / training + Development workshops for filmmakers / Shaw Park Complex By application only - filmmakers should submit their CV to submit@ttfilmfestival. com Sun 23 April, 7pm / movies + afterparty / The Shade Nightclub /Bon Accord Redman / PG 13 (Tbg) - a hilarious tale of what it means to be a man Dancehall Queen / 14+ - a desperate mother enters a dancehall competition, to save her daughter’s life.
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this is a majestic, sensual love story, set in 1950s Cuba
Film stills from Chico and Rita & Miles Ahead
Mon 24 April, 7pm / movies + dinner / Mt Irvine Bay Resort Glass Bottom Boat / GA (Tbg) - a woman’s enduring love for Tobago sustains her through profound loss. Miles Ahead / 18+ - a fictional narrative about jazz-legend, Miles Davis Dinner reservations are recommended, Tues 25 April 7pm / Movies + dinner / Waves Restaurant and Bar / Black Rock The Resort / 14+ (Tbg) - follow the commerce of a young man as he sells love for a living. Chico + Rita / 14+ - an adult animation,
According to Cindy-Ann Gatt, Director of Marketing at Flow: “We remain committed to supporting the development of content in Trinidad and Tobago and throughout the Caribbean. We are also happy to contribute to the development of entertainment tourism in Tobago as exemplified by our Platinum sponsorship of the Tobago Jazz Experience. When Bruce Paddington and his team pitched this idea for us, we felt strongly that it was one for which both Tobago and Flow were ready. Tobago is a wonderful island and its history lends itself to great storytelling. We strongly encourage attendees of the Tobago Jazz Experience to put the Tobago Film Festival into their calendar as well.” Dr Bruce Paddington, Founder and Festival Director of the trinidad+tobago film festival added: “Tobagonians have been asking for their own film festival, and the Tobago Jazz Experience provides the perfect opportunity for us to do this. We are thrilled to be highlighting the talent of Tobago’s young filmmakers, alongside internationally acclaimed films centred in music” For information visit ttfilmfestival.com
REGIONAL NEWS
SKIP MARLEY LANDS TOP 10 BILLBOARD HIT THANKS TO KATY PERRY COLLABORATION Skip Marley, the grandson of reggae legend, Bob Marley, has done something no one in Jamaica’s royal family has ever done; he landed a top ten spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. That’s right. The 20-year-old Skip, on his first major collaboration, achieved what more acclaimed Marleys like Grammy winners Damian, Stephen and Ziggy, as well as Bob, could not, as his joint effort, Chained To The Rhythm with American songstress, Katy Perry, debuted
at number four on the Hot 100 chart. The song was released on February 10 by Capitol Records, two days before they performed it at the 59th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Chained To The Rhythm also ranks third on the iTunes chart and seventh on the U.K. pop chart. Bob Marley made the U.K. pop chart eight times, but none of Damian, Stephen or Ziggy have ever done so. Shockingly, Bob only cracked the Billboard Hot 100 once, when Roots Rock Reggae peaked at number 51 in 1976. Before Skip’s feat, Ziggy Marley had the family’s best placing on the Hot 100 from his days as lead singer of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers when Tomorrow People placed 39th on the chart in 1988. Junior Gong peaked at number 55 on the chart in 2005 with his smash hit, Welcome To Jamrock. Skip Marley is the son of Bob Marley’s daughter, former Melody Makers singer and fashion designer, Cedella Marley.
Ziggy Marley has won the Grammy award for Best Reggae Album as he took home the prize at the 59th Grammy Awards pre-show Sunday evening. Marley’s self-titled album topped a category that included Reggae Everlasting from Raging Fyah, the Sly and Robbie-produced Reggae For Her by Devin Di Dakta and J.L, Falling Into Place by Rebelution, Rose Petals from J Boog and Live in Virginia from Soja. This is Marley’s fourth Grammy win as a solo act, adding to three from his days as the front man of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers.
ZIGGY MARLEY WINS RECORD SEVENTH REGGAE GRAMMY For a record seventh time, reggae superstar,
WORLD NEWS
series will pull source material from the book, which was also made into a movie. Kading will act as a consultant on the pilot, as well as co-executive producer. Unsolved is the latest true crime series to come to TV and continues the decades-long discussion of what exactly happened to the legendary rappers, who became adversaries toward the end of their lives; a beef immortalized in the track “Hit ‘Em Up.”
BEN AFFLECK AND JENNIFER GARNER: OFFICIALLY BACK TOGETHER!
TUPAC SHAKUR & THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. CHARACTERS CAST IN USA NETWORK'S CRIME DRAMA "UNSOLVED" More than 20 years after the murders of The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur, both cases remain a mystery. USA Network’s new scripted crime drama, Unsolved, aims to shed light on the major police investigations into both tragic events. Straight Outta Compton actor Marcc Rose has been cast to play Shakur and newbie Wavyy Jonez will play Biggie Smalls, according to Variety. The two join previously cast actors Jimmi Simpson, Bokeem Woodbine and Josh Duhamel. They will portray three police employees who were key players while working the unsolved cases. The television series is based on the experiences of former LAPD Detective Greg Kading, who not only oversaw several law-enforcement task forces investigating Tupac and Biggie’s murders, but also wrote Murder Rap: The Untold Story of Biggie Smalls & Tupac Shakur Murder Investigations. The 8 ET&T • MARCH, 2017 • www.amgtt.com
After nearly two years of rumors and speculation, credible sources are now confirming that Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are back together. People magazine is reporting today that Ben and Jen are reluctant to announce that they're officially back together for fear of confusing their kids, but for all intents and purposes Bennifer 2.0 is back up and running. “Jen has called off the divorce,” a source close to Garner tells the magazine. “She really wants to work things out with Ben. They are giving things another try.” A different source says the decision was mutual, and that while Ben and Jen won't be renewing their vows any time soon, they are intent on giving their marriage at least one more chance.
MODEL MANIA
Name: Candace Alfonso Age: 19 Hometown: Belmont Hobbies: Soap Making, Making
Hair Products and Creative Writing Career: Thespian / Model Her main goal is to one day become an internationally renowned model and actress. Until that day, beautiful and talented teenager Candace Alfonso is putting in the work necessary to make her dream come true. Candace has four years of modeling under her belt and his been captured by lens men such as John Tilokee, Carlos Alexander, Tim Lee and Antony Scully. However,
she doesn’t just shoot for the fun of it. Alfonso was featured on the front cover of Bijoux Hair magazine 2013. The rising star unsurprisingly has a penchant for all things fashion and she reveres the work of designers such as Adrian Wilson, Harvey Robertson and Alexander Wang. No doubt, she will look fine in outfits designed by any of those designers since she puts a lot of effort into maintaining her model look. She attributes her figure to
jogging, eating lots of fruits and vegetables and constantly hydrating. In terms of her beauty regimen, clay facial masks and facial scrubs get her to where she needs to be. Finally, on a personal note: Candace is the strong independent woman whose pet peeve is harassment (especially of the sexual nature). We support her stance and will keep you, the readers, updated when she makes her next big move.
CANDACE ALFONSO Photo by: Antony Scully Photo by: Sergio Sanka
Photo by: Carlos Alexander
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DREAM
GUY
NAME: Adrian Francis AGE: 24 HEIGHT: 5'8 WEIGHT: 174lbs
CAREER: Accounts Cleark BRIEFS OR BOXERS: Briefs FAVOURITE SCENT: Burberry Weekend FAVOURITE THING: The gym DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM GIRL: Funny, smart, great personality, who can hold hold conversation about anything. Faithful, career coordinated and has future plans. Respectful. YOU WERE HEARTBROKEN: Yes. Don’t want to revisit
that. YOUR HERO: Both My Parents. FAVOURITE FOOD: Pizza. THE WAY TO YOUR HEART IS: Lifting weights. YOU’D NEVER DO: I'd never do a nude shoot. WHAT ABOUT PETS: I love them. THE ONE THING YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE: See the world. FAVOURITE ARTIST: Bryson Tiller
FAVOURITE MUSIC: I like all music. FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A MEAL: Home, sweet home. HAVE YOU EVER CHEATED: NO THE FREAKIEST THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE: Definitely can’t say that here. WHERE’S YOUR WEAK SPOT: Try me. WHAT'S YOUR MOTIVATION: I motivate myself with results.
Photography by Suresh Gopie
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FEATURE
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THE SEASON’S TOP TALKING POINTS
mid all the revelry and carefree behavior that constantly permeate Carnival, there were some moments that made us pause and ponder if only for a split second. These headlining moments will stand out after the snake oil has washed down the drains and we get ready for Carnival again. Here are some of 2017’s biggest stories in no particular order.
Soca Monarch competition with Montano eventually emerging victorious. Many fans and artistes alike praised the collaboration. Local musical legend Roy Cape described the song as a “message of healing” and expressed that it felt “fantastic” to be able to witness this moment in our country’s cultural history. The jouvert favourite ironically entitled Buss Head is an ode to the ancient African tradition of Kalinda and was composed by the two artistes in tandem with young writing and production teams AdvoKit Productions & Badjohn Republic.
Machel + Bunji It would be remiss of us to go any further on this list without acknowledging that the biggest moment of the season was when Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin put their differences aside Chalkie Chalks Up Win to finally collaborate on a massive Number 9 track. The roar was deafening Dr. Hollis Liverpool, otherwise when both artistes stepped on known as the Mighty Chalkdust, stage for the first time together became the winningest at Soaka. Montano and Alvarez calypsonian of all time as he had previously been at odds with sang his way to a 9th Calypso Bunji accusing Machel of "playing Monarch title. The bard broke politics" to win the 2011 Power a tie with Slinger ‘The Mighty Soca Monarch title. Both artistes Sparrow’ Francisco on Dimanche famously threw lyrical barbs at Gras night with his equal parts each other during that year’s humour and social commentary 14 ET&T • MARCH, 2017 • www.amgtt.com
song “Learn From Arithmetic” which took on the issue of child marriage. Chalkdust intimated that he asked for Sparrow’s blessing before pursuing the record-breaking victory. Dimanche Gras Debacle Speaking of things Dimanche Gras, to call this year’s show a farce is to sugar coat it to the point of diabetic coma-inducing proportions. Apart from an unspectacular stage and lighting setup, the show was poorly coordinated with several glaring mishaps occurring during the second half of the program. Despite boasting a cast which included Bunji Garlin, MX Prime and strangely Terri Lyons – who was a competitor – on the night, the show was in absolute shambles which led many to leave the venue even before getting the results. There was lull of over an hour where not even the MCs came to the stage. NCC chief Kenny Da Silva made a public apology for the shows proceedings which he said were “marred by technical
difficulties throughout.” Veteran media personality Dale Enoch decried the events on his morning I95.5fm program and posited his view that the producers should not be hired in that capacity again. Full Extreme Claims Road March Record The Ultimate Rejects released ‘Full Extreme’ on December 5th 2016 and the song quickly grew into a monster catapulting the group led by Edghill ‘MX Prime’ Thomas to a Road March title. The song’s popularity could not be denied throughout the season and it quickly became the basis for several social media memes. By the time the Carnival parade ended, ‘Full Extreme’ eclipsed Superblue’s previous record of 511 plays with the song being jammed 556 times at various judging points. Despite the large margin of victory, Thomas remained humble and dedicated the victory to “his son and the almighty” saying he “didn’t make music to compete.” Compete or
FEATURE not, people were glad this gem was released as it ensured no matter what happened for Carnival they would be Jamming Still. Ravi B and Raymond Ramnarine End Up In Rumourville Ramnarine received a Lifetime Achievement Award at Chutney Brass and during a later performance shared with the audience that a fellow artiste wished death on him. Ramnarine paused during his act to say “Tonight an artist wished that I was dead. Envy and hate exist in our industry, sadly. But you know what? I will wish him happiness” before asking the audience to help him pray for the individual. Somehow word spread that Chutney Titan Ravi B was the artiste who wished death on the Dil E Nadan star. However, both Ravi B and Raymond Ramnarine denied the allegations at various junctures before the artistes met on 103fm to quash the rumours for good. Bunji vs Fazeer Fazeer Mohammed drew the ire of artistes and fans alike when he insinuated that Bunji Garlin was “glorifying banditry” by wearing a bandana over his face during a post-performance photo op.
The comments seemed strange as Garlin has been known for donning such accessories over the years and it was in line with his “Desperado” theme. Some argued that Fazeer –who is Muslim- of all people, should not condemn Bunji for wearing a mask since people around the world cover their faces for various reasons. It was merely in line with a stage persona. Many came out in support by attending events and posting photos of themselves with their faces covered in a similar fashion. Kaiso In Court In more beef news, there was much hullabaloo leading up to Dimanche Gras night as one bunch of controversy found itself all the way in court. Lynette ‘Lady Gypsy’ Steele threatened to sue TUCO because she only made it to the Calypso Monarch finals as a reserve even though she shared the same points total as finalist Anthony “All Rounder” Hendrickson. Lornette ‘Fya Empress’ Nedd eligibility was also called into question in a letter by Steele’s attorney Gerald Ramdeen. Nedd is Vincentian, despite living in Tobago for over 15 years and previously being married to a Trinbagonian. TUCO disqualified her under
pressure from Lady Gypsy before opting to reinstate her and have both perform as finalists. Both eventual winner Chalkdust and fellow calypsonian/TUCO representative Ras Kommander referred to the drama as “a potentially vital learning experience moving forward.” Pan Bacchanal It took a four-hour meeting at City Hall for a compromise to be reached between protesting pan players and the executive of Pan Trinbago. As seems to be always the case, transparency issues were cited as the main reason for the bacchanal as late and nonpayment of pan players almost caused a boycott for the festival. Many called for the resignation of PanTrinbago head Keith Diaz, with renowned pannist Dane Gulston being one of the most vocal protestors. In the end, everything was able to proceed fairly smoothly for Panorama. Recession Session While the lengthened season saw more fetes with the cost of fetes also rising, there seemed to be more patrons than ever at these parties. It made you wonder if there really was a recession. Now that Carnival is over, we are sure the reality will hit them.
In any event, many of the major prizes were slashed for Carnival. The National Calypso Monarch prize was cut to $700,000 from last year’s million dollar prize. Similarly, the International Soca Monarch price was cut in half from last year’s million dollar prize. The Chutney Monarchs Ravi B and Omardath Maharaj had to share half a million dollars due to their first-place tie. Album de Musique de Monde for Calypso Rose The “Album de Musique de Monde” (the French equivalent of a Grammy) was awarded to local icon McCartha SandyLewis a.k.a. Calypso Rose on February 10th 2017. The 76 year old veteran declared herself “the Queen of France” after receiving the award from a country that has shown her tremendous love over the years. Rose copped the World Album of the Year award for her Far From Home album which was released in June 2016. The album features hit singles Leave Me Alone, Zoom Zoom Zoom and remakes of Abatina, Calypso Queen and others. The legend returned to Trinidad before the season was over and she performed in concert and was celebrated by many including Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley.
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FEATURE H
THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A GREAT TEAM IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS
aving the right team in place is crucial to an entertainer’s success in today’s environment. At some point in your career, it’s imperative that you build a “dream team” and partner with people who are skilled in specific areas so they can take over and make your task focusing on your craft. Do not be fooled, you also have to have great material for your team to build a strategy around. Once you have a fantastic product, your team will be inspired to work round the clock to make sure it’s successful. When one reads the stories of Michael Jackson, Elton John, Stevie Wonder or even local acts like Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin, they have a full team behind them making sure all activities are being covered and they can focus solely on making “art.” The question remains, who do you need on your team? Here are some key members which every entertainment team should have in order to start building a sustainable career.
Great family and friendsHaving a great support system around you helps you to get up and keep going even though it’s difficult. Surround yourself with great friends and family.
Management team- It is important to have a manager or managers in the team. They will help guide the direction of the career of the entertainer and advise them on all business decisions to help them achieve a successful career. Publicist- A public relations consultant will help you handle all press. This may be preparations and bookings for radio/TV interviews/ social media and anything that goes out on any media platform for the artist. The publicist ensures the right message is being conveyed to represent the entertainer. Marketing team- They will come up with ideas and strategies to help market a variety of projects or market the entertainer or give them advice on how to market their image and likeness to the general public. Videographer/ Photographer- They are essential for cap-
turing pictures and videos of all the moments of the entertainer’s job or behind the scenes. This will be used to let the fans keep abreast of all the work the entertainer is doing. Assistants- This person will be the day to day person to help with everything whether following up with meetings or photo shoots/ studio sessions etc both personally and professionally.
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Booking Agent- To help source and book live shows for the entertainer to perform in. Music Publisher/ Distribution- To help distribute and sell the entertainer’s music on all digital platforms. Lawyers- To help negotiate contracts and deals and make sure everything is legal and binding.
About the author: Jelan Cumberbatch is the Managing Director of JC Management Co Ltd & Tres Belle Modelling Agency and the Marketing Manager of Millbeatz Studios. He has made his name in regional entertainment circles as a Booking agent, Motivator and Consultant and has worked extensively in developing the careers of a host of Caribbean talents. Twitter - @jelan_c Instagram- jcmanagementcoltd Email- jelan@jcmanagement.co Email- jelan@tresbellett.com Website- www.jcmanagement.co Website- www.tresbellett.com
ET&T
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TERRI LYONS Calypso arena, but I would like to tell them that I have been singing both since I was small. My father and mother used to always have me in both. I used to enter the Junior Calypso Monarch and the Junior Soca Monarch. This is not no soca girl getting into the thing! If they are angry then they need to up their game because sometimes somebody just comes to shake things up.
veryone already knew her name, but in 2017 it took on an entirely different energy. Like a ‘real Lyon’, Terri Lyons roared through the Carnival landscape, dominating with her soca hit ‘I Am Lyon’. With the same boldness she conquered all competitive Calypso stages, delivering impacting performances while advocating for darkskinned persons in society with the heartfelt, thought-provoking ‘The Phrase’. We had a chat with the busy Lyon coming off her most successful season to date. ET&T: How was your Carnival 2017 experience? Terri: I feel great about my season. I was in the finals of every competition. I was in the Dimanche Gras final for the first time and I placed fourth. In Soca Monarch, even though I didn’t place, the reception and the comments that I’ve been getting from people are great. It’s been a while that I haven’t seen good comments under a picture or a song, more than negative. So I am happy and 2018 will be greater. ET&T: Can you describe your typical day? Terri: Typical day is hearing “no mummy” or “mummy I hungry”! Soca artiste or not, my day is the typical mummy day. In the night I deal with studio or do whatever ads, commercials or backgrounds that I have to do. ET&T: Can you comment on the recent upsurge of violent crimes against women in Trinidad and Tobago? You have a large female fan base; do you have any words of advice for females as regards personal safety? Terri: I would say always walk in groups. Include a guy in your
ET&T: Do you think that the recent economic downturn has affected the staging of Carnival 2017, particularly as regards soca artistes? Terri: Of course. Long Carnivals are always appreciated, but this one had a lot of cancelled shows. There were fewer artistes in a fete. Prize monies were lower. People actually picked and chose where they were going to this year. group. Try not to travel by yourself. For all those who work at night, carpool if you can. At this time we have to band together. We can’t study “well I don’t talk to this girl on work, I don’t talk to that one” because when you are out there, the bandits, the kidnappers they don’t study who you don’t talk to and we have to help to protect each other. I walk with mace. They tell me it’s illegal, but I will take my charges after because you have to do something to protect yourself. ET&T: Your Calypso this year ‘The Phrase’ spoke about the challenges darker skinned persons face in society? How does complexion affect those in the industry? Terri: We are so brainwashed that we don’t even know what we are doing most of the times. It was hard for me, just being extra dark. Check it out! Princess Adana from Tobago and I are two of the darkest female soca artistes that are singing currently. Adana can really sing and perform. Then you see some girls of light-coloured skin that can’t really sing, but they are just there…
the opportunities to do this, to do that, it’s like what is the problem? ET&T: How hard or easy is it for you to be the daughter and sister of two legends in the industry? Terri: A lot of people thought that it would have been easy for me seeing that I already have the Lyons surname, but I had to work extra hard. My sister got a little assistance from the Invasion band… Iwer… Naya… If you really dig down in the history everybody had some kind of hand to pull them up. I didn’t. I just thank God for Nadi and my dad. My dad would go over my music and put corrections here and there. For the song ‘I am Lyon’ he was like “Yes Terri! Yuh get it!” And then he said “I could die now.” I said “eh eh don’t be dying now.” This is something that he always wanted. He doesn’t just want to see one of his kids alone rise. ET&T: You sing both Calypso and Soca… do you have a preference? Terri: No because one comes from the other. A lot of people were upset that I was in the
ET&T: Are you hopeful that soca music will move beyond the confines of the Carnival festival? How so? Terri: We need to have an industry first. Carnival passes like Christmas, a long holiday. We first have to love our own. Everybody likes to blast the radio stations, but it starts with a people first. ET&T: What’s your favourite thing to do? Terri: Used to be gym, music but now my son is my spare time. ET&T: What’s your beauty secret? Terri: I don’t really have a beauty secret. The only thing that I catch myself doing a lot is putting aloes on my face and I do a lot of juicing, like carrots. ET&T: What is your advice to aspiring females? Terri: Don’t sell yourself short. Always fight for what you want and have a patient yet determined spirit. It is not going to happen overnight. It may seem like it is never going to happen. If you want the rose you have to accept the thorns that come with it.
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MARCH, 2017 • ET&T 17
TRIBE PRESENTS LAS LAP: LAS SPLASH C
EVENTS
arnival ended with a bang as many were jamming still into the dawn of Ash Wednesday. However, many were not ready for an abrupt transition into less culture-crazy times and people interested in taking one final jump flocked to O2 Park Chaguaramas for las lap. Hosted by Tribe, Las Splash drew a massive crowd to the venue and the atmosphere was insane as people tried to drain every last ounce out of the festival. Many patrons came out in what was left of their costumes to help recreate the ambiance. Here is a bit of what went down at this cool down party that was actually hotter than several fetes.
Get a room
A true reflection of the ratio
When gym is life
Seldom misses a tribe event
A nice duo
Pleased with the proceedings
Oh my!
Chief Big Little Rubber Waist
Looking pleased as punch
A happy attendee
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EVENTS
WO Champs!
Group special
In her element
Insert tongue ring here
Rumour says he’s jamming still
Wining welcomed
When your friend can’t stop turning up…
Lenten Looseness
Two friends pose
Throwing back
Cute chicas
Hold dem and wuk dem!
They couldn’t ask for more
Because simply wining isn’t enough
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EVENTS
REMEMBERING THE ROAD
he road action on T Carnival Monday and Tuesday is basi-
cally what the entire Carnival season builds up to. These are the final days before the Lenten period, so suffice it to say, people behave with reckless gay abandon before they once again become the pseudo-civilized humans who led ordinary lives before the jumping and waving. It is here the Road March was decided and the Band of the Year battle was judged in earnest. However, many just see it as a time to enjoy the colourful spectacle and frolic known as Carnival. Here are some photos which inclusive of some Jouvert jamishness and the junior parade of the bands. For more, check us on facebook or grab our special edition Carnival magazine.
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EVENTS
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MARCH, 2017 • ET&T 23
FETE FLASHBACKS
EVENTS EXTRA large part of the Carnival experience is the fetes. They come in myriad forms; from A cooler, to breakfast party/all-inclusive and the
ever popular wet fete. No matter the poison you picked to carry on your jumping and gyrating sessions, there was no shortage of fetes in this extended season. ET&T was at many of those events and our Facebook page has the galleries to prove it. However, we will share just a bit of the action that went down as we wallow in Carnival Tabanca misery.
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MARCH, 2017 • ET&T 25
FASHION POLICE EXAMINE FETE WEAR T he way people dress for fetes has changed dramatically over the years. While we haven’t gotten to the point where people dress completely formal for feting purposes, there are a lot less sneakers worn by females and a lot more sleek looks and dresses.
These colourfully-clad cuties embody the spirit of modern carnival attire.
Colourful prints are in and she benefitted from getting the right combination for her outfit choice.
A sleek, black dress helps this patron to stand out. Oh… and are those heels? The addition of colour adds nice balance.
ISLAND CELEBRITIES
PAPARAZZI “THE JOURNEY” SINGER DEVON MATTHEWS IS MELLOW POST PERFORMANCE AT A FETE
MR. “ROCK & COME IN” LINKY FIRST AT AN ALLINCLUSIVE
JAIGA REPS HIS COUNTRY WITH T&T FLAG ACCESSORIES ON HIS HEAD AND IN HIS POCKET
TREVLYN LEZAMA GETS COZY WITH A FRIEND AT A CARNIVAL EVENT
SOCA MONARCH AARON VOICE ST LOUIS IS ALL SMILES AT A RECENT EVENT
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MARCH, 2017 • ET&T 27
CELEB PROFILE
RYAN GOSLING
Name: Ryan Thomas Gosling Age: 36 (November 12, 1980) Profession: Actor/Musician Claim to Fame: Canadian born actor Ryan Gosling began his acting career as a child. He attended an open audition in Montreal for the TV series "The Mickey Mouse Club" (The All New Mickey Mouse Club (1989)) in January 1993 and beat out 17,000 other aspiring actors for a spot on the show. While appearing on "MMC" for two years, he lived with co-star Justin Timberlake's family. Though he received no formal acting training, after "MMC," Gosling segued into an acting career, appearing on the TV series Young Hercules (1998) and Breaker High (1997), as well as in the films The Slaughter Rule (2002), Murder by Numbers (2002), and Remember the Titans (2000). He first attracted serious critical attention with his performance as the Jewish neo-Nazi in the contro-
versial film The Believer (2001), which won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. He was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award as Best Male Lead in 2002 for the role and won the Golden Aries award from the Russian Guild of Film Critics. After appearing in the sleeper The Notebook (2004) in 2004,
Gosling won the dubious honor of being named one of the 50 Hottest Bachelors by People Magazine. More significantly, he was named the Male Star of Tomorrow at the 2004 Show West convention of movie exhibitors. Gosling reached a summit of his profession with his performance in Half Nelson (2006), which garnered him an Academy Award nomination as Best Actor. In a short time, he had estab-
MOVIES
OLD FAVOURITES REBORN M
as the Beast and a strong supporting cast including Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson.
arch is a good month for movies. With some strong films already on screens, a couple more potential blockbusters are lined up in the next few days. Check out these two. Beauty and the Beast Directed by Oscar winner Bill Condon, Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" is a live-action re-telling of the studio's animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. "Beauty and the Beast" is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a
beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle's enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast's hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. The film stars Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens
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Power Rangers From a story by Executive Producer Roberto Orci (TRANSFORMERS, STAR TREK, AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2) and screenwriters Zack Stentz and Ashley Miller (X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, THOR) comes a modern reinvention of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, a group of ordinary high school kids who find themselves infused with extraterrestrial powers and must harness those powers as a team to save the world. (c) Lionsgate.
lished himself as one of the finest actors of his generation. Throughout the subsequent decade, he became an internet fixation, a box office star, and a critical darling, having headlined Blue Valentine (2010), Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011), Drive (2011), The Ides of March (2011), The Place Beyond the Pines (2012), The Nice Guys (2016), and La La Land (2016). Ryan has two children with actress Eva Mendes.
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