Vision Newspaper Canada - August 2014

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AUGUST 2014 / SUMMER

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The man behind your favourite artists Career... >>page 7 Plus

Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival 2014 >> page 4

Drake uses OVO fest to recruit Kevin Durant >> page 4

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Vision / Summer 2014

The Caribbean Jamaica Drought - Scorching heat bring millions in agriculture losses over last few months

NEWS

Jamaica merges 2 law Around the world enforcement agencies to better combat organized crime Toddler safe after stroller rolls off have been merged.

KINGSTON, Jamaica _ A Jamaican official says a severe drought and bush fires on the Caribbean island have led to roughly $8 million in crop losses over the last few months.

Acting Agriculture Minister Derrick Keller says more than 16,000 of Jamaica’s small farmers have suffered losses amid the ongoing drought.

Some 1,600 hectares (4,000 acres) of farmland have been withered from lack of rainfall and scorching temperatures.

But Kellier says that ``while the situation is serious, it is not catastrophic.’’

He told reporters Tuesday that the total area of arable lands under production in Jamaica is roughly 300,000 hectares (741,316 acres). He says the tropical island has adequate supplies of staples such as plantains, potatoes and yams.

Jamaica imports the majority of its food.

The Associated Press

Trinidad sports minister resigns amid probe into alleged fraud of youth athletics program PORT-OF-SPAIN _ Trinidad & Tobago’s sports minister has stepped down amid an investigation into alleged financial mismanagement of a youth athletics program.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar (KAL-la per-SAD BIH-sess-ur) said Thursday she has accepted Anil Roberts’ offer of resignation.

A recent independent audit has found various breaches of the sports ministry’s LifeSport program. The initiative by Roberts was intended to help young men avoid a life of crime through sports.

But an audit has found that co-ordinators may have been involved in criminal activity themselves. Auditors believe they have uncovered widespread fraud. Police and prosecutors are currently reviewing the matter.

Persad-Bissessar says she is ``disillusioned, disappointed and distressed by the level of deception and dishonesty’’ of the program launched in 2012.

She says her technology minister will take over the sports portfolio.

The Associatted Press

Exposing the talent in our communities.

NYC subway platform onto tracks

Bunting expects combining the two agencies will result in greater effectiveness through better use of limited resources in the fight against criminals and corruption.’’

KINGSTON, Jamaica _ Jamaica has consolidated two law enforcement agencies with the intention of better tackling public corruption and organized crime, the Caribbean island’s top security official said Monday.

At a news conference in the capital of Kingston, National Security Minister Peter Bunting told reporters that the police force’s anti-corruption agency and a major organized crime task force

He said the new organization dubbed the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency should streamline communication and boost law enforcers’ capacity to carry out effective investigations on high-profile suspects, ``including the police and those in public office.’’

Bunting said new laws and additional procedures being enacted will also assist with arresting and prosecuting criminals.

The Associated Press

Southwest Ohio city to celebrate Dominican culture with parade and festival HAMILTON, Ohio _ A southwest Ohio city will help some of its Hispanic residents celebrate one of their nation's patriotic holidays.

Hamilton has scheduled its first Dominican Republic Independence Restoration Day parade for Aug. 17. Restoration Day celebrates the Caribbean nation's successful battle to win back independence from Spain in the 19th century.

Ohio has a small but fast-growing Hispanic population, and the U.S. Census estimates Hamilton's population is more than 6 per cent Hispanic/Latino, nearly double the statewide percentage. While people with Mexican roots are usually the largest group, Hamilton has a growing Dominican presence.

The Hamilton-Middletown Journal-News reports that the parade alone is expected to bring out 2,000 people. State and local officials will take part in the festivities, with food, music and children's activities.

The parade is being organized by the non-profit Dominican Association. Angel Lombert, of the Hamilton Community Council and presi-

dent of the Dominican group, said it's hoping to draw people from around the Cincinnati region.

“We've been promoting the city of Hamilton all over the world,'' Lombert said. “People will come from different cities to visit Hamilton ... and look at what the city offers.''

Mayor Pat Moeller sees the celebration as a chance for other residents to learn more about the culture of one of its communities.

“We need to celebrate our diversity,'' Moeller said. “Diversity makes us stronger.''

The parade will include bands, dancers and floats about Dominican history and folklore, with salsa, merengue and bachata dancing.

A big softball tournament with outof-state teams is scheduled Aug. 16, with a public party and music planned afterward.

The Associated Press

For advertising enquiries email: advertising@vision-newspaper.ca or call 647-386-3419 For all other enquiries email: info@visionnewspaper.ca www.vision-newspaper.co.uk

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Vision Newspaper UK: Editor in Chief : Nadine White, Editor: Nadia Akram, Correspondent in Jamaica: Deana Meyers Contributors: Francesca Quass, Yemi Abiade, Samantha Dennis, Claire Daley, Vision Newspaper Canada: Editor in Chief: Alwin Squire, Editors: Samantha Deschamps, Kelly Deschamps, Marilyn Marshall, Christopher Miller

NEW YORK _ Authorities say a 2-year-old girl is safe after the stroller she was in rolled off a New York City subway platform onto the tracks.

Fire Department officials say it happened at the Jamaica Center-Parsons Boulevard stop in Jamaica, Queens at 11:26 a.m. Monday.

Witnesses say the mother had turned away briefly to put something in the trash when the strolled fell onto the empty tracks.

The mother and several other people jumped down to the tracks to rescue the child.

Officials say the mother suffered a sprained ankle; the toddler had bruises to the face. They were taken to a hospital in stable condition The Associated Press

Russell Simmons & LL Cool J visit youth at NYC jail NEW YORK _ A group of young people at a New York City jail complex got some words of encouragement on Thursday from hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and actor LL Cool J.The two visited Riker’s Island to mark the launch of a national anti-violence program from Simmons’ RushCard, a prepaid debit card.

The Associated Press

Ebola outbreak - US Orders personnel to leave the American Embassy WASHINGTON _ The State Department is ordering all eligible family members of U.S. personnel to leave the American Embassy in Liberia’s capital city because of the Ebola outbreak.

In a statement issued Thursday night, the State Department says it’s taking the action for those not employed by the embassy in Monrovia out of an abundance of caution.

A State Department spokeswoman says its medical office has determined that there is a lack of options for routine health care services at major medical facilities due to the Ebola outbreak.

The deadly virus has been reported in Liberia and three other countries in West Africa. Nearly 1,000 people have died since the outbreak appeared in March.

The Associated Press

Vision / Summer 2014

Community

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Jamaica Independence Day message from the Prime Minister personal responsibility for conserving water.

We must make the necessary sacrifices. The issues we face are national and broad-based. Because this is our Jamaica each Jamaican must own and contribute to mitigating them.

A sense of personal responsibility and ownership captured by our independence theme, “This is Jamaica, my Jamaica” means that we take responsibility for our communities and help to keep them safe.

The following is the Independence Day Message from the Prime Minister of Jamaica The Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller.

My fellow Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora, I greet you on this the 52nd Anniversary of our Independence.

Fifty two years since our flag was first hoisted; fifty two years since we assumed full responsibility for our national affairs.

Fifty two years since that hopeful and expectant generation passed on to us the vibrancy of a dream of a new Jamaica: a Jamaica of equal opportunity for all; a Jamaica where justice would roll down like a river, and a Jamaica for which all of us could be proud.

A Jamaica in which all of us could truly say, “This is Jamaica, my Jamaica”. A true ownership society. A Jamaica in which all of us would have a sense of place and belonging, not just a place of abode.

Founding Father Rt. Excellent Norman Manley put it well in speaking of his vision of this new Jamaica: “All efforts will be wasted unless the masses are steadily taken along a path in which they will feel more and more that this place is their home, that it is their destiny. They will then do more for it--- work more, more effort, more thinking, more sacrifice, more discipline and more honesty…

There is a tremendous difference between living in a place and belonging to it and feeling that your own life and destiny is bound up in the life and destiny of that place.”

What profound words! How deeply relevant to the theme of our Independence celebrations this year: “This is Jamaica, my Jamaica”.

It is only when we truly internalize the view that “this is Jamaica, my Jamaica” that we can give our all to this rock.

• We have to unite for a common purpose.

• We must have a sense that we are, indeed, stakeholders.

• We have to take responsibility and be accountable for our actions.

This is true sovereignty and independence.

“This is Jamaica, my Jamaica” means that in the face of our most severe drought in recent memory, we must take

Personal responsibility means that we look out for our neighbour and our neighbour’s children; that we protect the weak and vulnerable in our communities and take care of the elderly, the disabled, the sick and the lonely.

The work that lies ahead, in staying the course with our economic programme that will lead us toward economic independence, will require not only personal responsibility but engaging human will.

When I speak of ‘human will’ I speak of our will as a people to believe we can achieve and exceed the targets we set.

• It was the will of the enslaved people to be free that brought Emancipation.

• It is human will that caused our heroes and heroines to do that which was necessary to build our nation.

• It was the will of the people that ignited the passion for political Independence.

• It is human will that drives all movements for excellence, justice, respect, equality and liberty.

• It was a common mission and the will of the people that brought people together to strive for political liberty and self-government.

• Human will causes our sportsmen and women to excel, our innovators to innovate and our creators to create! I pause to recognize our sportsmen and women and commend those who represented Jamaica at the Commonwealth Games for excellent performances.

• It is human will that keeps us going, that explains resilience and prevents us from giving up and giving in as we make the necessary sacrifices.

• It is our will, our human will, to create a better Jamaica for all Jamaicans that will push our efforts forward, onward and upward to the success of Jamaica, our Jamaica.

The theme, “This is Jamaica, my Jamaica” impels us to have the will and responsibility to give a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay and to maximize our productivity and efficiency.

This is the only way Jamaica will be strong economically and increase our exports and foreign exchange earnings.

Our fiscal prudence, our judicious management of our economy as well as the reduction in our debt and current account deficits, is a demonstration of our taking our affairs into our hands.

We can’t be bystanders in the building

of this Jamaica. We are all stakeholders.

This is our Jamaica.

It was the indomitable spirit of nationalism which gripped that generation which bequeathed to us our Independence in 1962. That generation believed passionately that we as a people had greatness inscribed in us.

That generation believed the future favoured us. It was a future that was being built steadily since the post Emancipation period, leading up to 1938 and the birth of the modern labour movement, and then the thrust toward self-Government.

Our ancestors were visionaries, men and women who lived and breathed hope and optimism.

The Rt. Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante believed in Jamaica and spent his entire life working for a brighter future for his fellow Jamaicans. He said, “Independence means the opportunity for us to frame our own destiny and the need to rely on ourselves in doing so”.

• That we volunteer in our communities, civic groups, churches and civil society groups • That we always cherish hope, optimism and love.

Our Independence was hard fought though no blood was shed. But people gave their lives for it. Let us not squander it.

We must stand together as one nation when the wells go dry, when the fires rage and the tempests roll. We must stand together in the knowledge that the difficulties we face are part of our historical struggle to build our nation.

We have endured struggle and sacrifice in different forms in this our journey to growth and development. It is because we are free, independent people that we have an opportunity to work together to turn the corner.

We must pull together, facing our challenges as one people – for a common cause – because – ‘This is Jamaica, my Jamaica’ – your Jamaica – our Jamaica – land we love.

Former Governor General Sir Howard Cooke, a stalwart of that generation which led the struggle for Independence, was a relentless and tireless believer in the greatness of the Jamaican people.

I am reminded of that wonderful poem Litany written by George Campbell to capture the spirit of the independence movement:

Today we need to recapture that pioneering spirit, that sprit of adventure in building a Jamaica our children can be proud of, a Jamaica of righteousness and justice for all.

Inwardly grateful for a lovely day

We must believe we can do it.

Norman Manley put it memorably: “If we never desert our own principles; if we believe in what we are aiming at, if we appreciate those who regard this country as their home… if we can do those things and be true to what we believe in and if we can combine this with hard work and practical intelligence, then I believe… we will make… this country a real place to say that ‘we come from Jamaica”.

“I hold the splendid daylight in my hands

Thank you life Daylight like a fine fan spread from my hands Daylight like scarlet poinsettia Daylight like yellow cassia flowers Daylight like clean water Daylight like cacti Daylight like sea sparkling with white horses Daylight like sustained blue sky Daylight like tropic hills

“This is Jamaica, my Jamaica” means that we take responsibility for our families and our children and that we instil in them proper values and attitudes. It means:

Let us walk into the daylight of a brighter tomorrow.

• We become our brother and sister’s keeper, always looking out for their good

This is Jamaica, my Jamaica”, land we love.

• That we become active citizens, deepening our democracy

I thank you

Daylight like a sacrament in my hands”

Community

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Vision / Summer 2014

Toronto Carnival Concert Review - OVO Fest takes over Lakeshore Toronto

Reunited Atlanta hitmakers Outkast headlined the first day of the fifth annual OVO Fest, held Aug. 3 and 4. Drake himself headline the second night.

Lauryn Hill, Trey Songz, J.Cole, DJ Khaled, Tinashe & OB O’Brien, YG, Usher, G-Unit (50 Cent and Lloyd Banks) were some of the unannounced guests.

Each year the roster of unannounced guests tends to outshine the headlining names known in advance.

Last year, unscheduled stars who performed included Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Ma$e, Diddy, members of TLC, Big Sean, the Weeknd and A$AP Rocky.

TORONTO – The annual parade highlighted Toronto’s Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Saturday. It featured colourful costumes, upbeat music and dancing in the streets.

As Drake worked the crowd, he got them to chant for the 25-year-old Oklahoma Thunder megastar forward to consider a move.

Drake closed off his fifth annual OVO Fest by trying to encourage the reigning NBA MVP to bringing his talents to Toronto.

He is under contract for 2015, but could become a free agent in the summer of 2016

Kevin Durant was just another 6 foot 9 240-pound member of the crowd at the Molson Amphitheatre on Toronto’s waterfront.

Pieces of this story were contributed by the Canadian Press & the Associated Press

The Canadian Press

Commonly called Caribana, the event is in its 47th year, billing itself an “explosion of Caribbean cuisine, music, revelry as well as visual and performing arts.”

The parade is the marquee event of the threeweek festival and winds along a 3-1/2-kilometre

What ’s On

Events

stretch of Toronto’s Lakeshore Boulevard.

Family & Children

Richie Spice, Etana & Allison Hinds TD Irie Music Festival

Bunji Garland, Fay Ann Lyons, Mighty Sparrow Stamina

Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival

Outkast Drake`s OVO Festival

John Legend

Q Tip & Theophilus London Quaker Fest

Jerk Festival

Venue: Nathan Phillips Square Date: August 1-4 www.iriemusicfestival.com

Venue: Wild Water Kingdom Date: August 2nd 2014 Tickets: www.ticketgateway.com

Venue: Lakeshore Ave West Date: August 2nd 2014 Admission: Free

www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com

Venue: Molson Amphitheatre Date: August 3-4, 2014 Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca

Venue: Molson Amphitheatre Date: August 8th 2014 Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca

Venue: Makerfest Toronto’s 99 Sudbury Date: August 9th 2014

Venue: Centennial Park Date: August 9-10, 2014 Admission: Free www.jerkfestival.ca

York-Eglinton International Street Festival

Juicy J

Redemption Reggae Festival

Montreal International Reggae Festival

Brandy, Black Street & Mint Condition Brown Sugar

Rasta Fest

Jamaica Day

Venue: Eglinton Ave West Between Marlee and Oakwood Date: August 15-16 2014 Admission: Free

Venue: Ranch Concert Hall Address: Barrie ON Date: August 15th 2014

Venue: Polson Pier Date: August 16 & 17, 2014 www.torontoreggaefest.ca

Venue: Old Port of Montreal Date: August 15, 16 & 17, 2014

Venue: Sony Center Date: August 16th 2014 Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca

Venue: Downsview Park Date: August 23rd 2014 Admission: Adv $7, Gates $10

Venue: Wild Water Kingdom Date: August 30th 2014 Admission: $10 - $25 per person

www.montrealreggaefest.com

Vision / Summer 2014

Community

Jerk Festival heats up Toronto The Toronto International Jerk Festival will be heating up Centennial park in Etobicoke with its annual Jerk Fest.

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Rastafest to Take Over Downsview Park

JerkFest was voted one of the top festivals in Toronto but to the food lovers, JerkFest is all about the tantalizing tastes, mysterious flavours and captivating aroma of the jerk food.

Rastafest is a multi-disciplined festival showcasing different aspects of the Rastafarian heritage and culture based on the rich and diverse Rastafarian lifestyle and history.

Activities include: music, dance, drumming, arts and craft market place, theatre, ital cuisine, film and video screening and a live concert featuring international and national reggae artists.

Attendees of Jerk Fest can sample a wide range of jerk food like chicken, pork, rabbit, beef, lamb, seafood, vegetables and even alligator.

The annual JerkFest takes place over two days at Centennial Park in Etobicoke on August 9th and 10th.

Rastafest targets cultural awareness about Rastafari and its roots in the city’s multicultural communities. Its mandate is to use the festival and the arts as a vehicle to help attendants recognize Rastafari’s contribution to the growth and positive image of the

multicultural society in Canada and throughout the world.

Rastafest will be held on Saturday, August 23rd, 2014 at Downsview Park.

For media information, please contact: Jonnel Briscoe Rastafest Marketing Coordinator Phone: 647-341-9031 Email: info@rastafest.com

Music

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Montreal International Reggae Festival

Vision / Summer 2014

Redemption- Toronto Reggae Festival

The festival was started in 2004 and since then it has become greater and more qualitative attracting reggae music lovers from around the world.

Montreal International Reggae Festival is Canada largest outdoor reggae festival and one of the biggest reggae festivals in North America.

The lineup includes Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Maxi Priest, Sean Paul, Barrington Levy, Mr. Vegas, Chris-

Redemption Toronto Reggae Festival is Toronto’s premiere annual reggae festival.

The annual event attracts over 50,000 patrons for the weekend long festivities and boasts a lineup of top international and local reggae acts. This year reggae lovers will get to see I-Octane, Marcia Griffiths, Sanchez, Etana, Maxi Priest, Percy Sledge, Sean Paul, Alison Hinds, Demarco, Zamunda and many more.

The Montreal International Reggae Festival will be held at the Old Port of Montreal on August 15, 16 and 17 this year.

This year it is expected to be bigger and better than ever and will be held outdoor for the first time.

topher Martin and many more including local Canadian acts.

Get your early bird 2 day pass or single day pass at all Redemption Outlets including, Play De RecordS, Nicey’s, Nappy’s and Broadway Fashions.

For more info visit www.dbandit. com, call 416-930-9650 or log on to TorontoReggaeFest.com Redemption Toronto Reggae Festival will be held at Polson Pier on August 16th and17th this year.

Vision / Summer 2014

Music

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Catman - The Man behind Your Favourite Artist Career “I decided that promoting artists was the way to go.

I wanted to go back to radio but i didn’t want to play top 10, I wanted to make a difference”

Vision Newspaper is one of the fastest growing urban publications in the United Kingdom, Canada and Jamaica. I spoke with the founder who is also England’s number 1 reggae music radio presenters.

Catman plays on the radio once a week in Connecticut which can be herd through out the whole tristate area which also includes New York and New Jersey. He also plays in Jamaica once a week on Bess FM and in England twice a week on City Lock Radio Q: How long have you been in the business?

A: Ive been in the business for 25 years.

Q: What are some of the highs and lows you have experienced in this business?

A: 10 years ago i was at a low. I had to take some time out the business.

For a couple years I sat back and i figured out how to handle the business when i got back in because its tough here in England. I decided that promoting artists was the way to go. I wanted to go back to radio but i didn’t want to play top 10, I wanted to make a difference. So I hooked up with Lefty B on the radio and changed the whole format to play young upcoming artists. I started doing live interviews with Ellise Kelly from Irie FM and she started promoting that i was looking for young artists to work with.

I started getting emails from young artists right away.

Q: Who are some of these young artists you have worked with?

A: The first artists i took to the street was Lil Hero.

From there I started working with I-Octane. I ve been working with I-Octane from scratch. I was the first person to play I-Octane on the radio in England. Back then i had people calling me and telling me not to work with him. They told me he wasn’t going to go anywhere because he was a rasta. I didn’t listen i just kept promoting him the same way.

I worked with Romain Virgo next and then D Angel, Zaumunda, Loyal Flames, Angele Smith, Chris Demontague, Jah Bouks and so much more.

won an award in 2011 and 2012 for the Vision Newspaper a paper that i created. Alot of people don’t even know that i am the man behind the Vision Newspaper. I created the paper to help give an outlet to the young artists that i promote.

Q: Whats next on your agenda are there any major projects in the works?

A: I want to launch a magazine. I use to have a magazine in America called Reggae Frenzy. I lost contact with my business partner there and the magazine died. I would like to get one back again. I would also like to find another hit maker like I-Octane to promote.

Its been bothering me. If i could find another hit maker to promote like I-Octane id be happy. Im also involed with a street festival that we hold in St Ann Jamaica every year with Vision Newspaper and S-Q Records.

D Angel was one of the hardest to work with because she has a negative stereotype. I use to get alot of phone calls about this and that but i paid it no attention.

Thanks for the interview but i do have to tell anyone who is aspiring I always have to give thanks to out there that its all about hard Ellise Kelly because she helped to work. I came from a small commustart the movement. Now i have nity in St Ann, Jamaica. I worked my own name. Last year i won the hard and i made it. You can make it award for the number one radio too if you just work hard and leave presenter in England. your mark on life. You dont have to be a millionaire, you just have to Q: You said you won the award for leave your stamp. the best radio presenter in 2013.

If you are a young artist in need of radio airplay How did that feel? and international promotion email catmanpromo@ A: It felt great but not only that I

gmx.com

Music

8

Vision / Summer 2014

MARCIA GRIFFITHS to receive Order of Distinction MARCIA Griffiths, one of reggae’s enduring talents, leads a field of entertainment stalwarts receiving awards in the annual National Honours and Awards.

Griffiths will receive the Order of Distinction at the ceremony which takes place October 20 at King’s House. It is the country’s fifth highest honour.

WIZ KHALIFA skips court makes “Tonight Show”

TESSANNE CHIN

makes Yahoo’s ‘15 Albums that bombed in 2014’ list

MCGREGOR

celebrates 52 years in the business

Count On My Love is Chin’s major label album debut. Released July 1 by Republic Records (an affiliate of Universal Music), it sold under 7,000 copies at the end of last month.

EL PASO, Texas (AP) _ Rapper Wiz Khalifa made it to the ``Tonight Show’’ but he didn’t make it to court. A warrant has now been issued for Khalifa’s arrest after he skipped a hearing on a marijuana possession charge in West Texas.

Online court records show Khalifa failed to appear for a scheduled arraignment in an El Paso County misdemeanour court. ``The Tonight Show’’ is taped in New York.

The Associated Press

BEYONCE

to perform at MTV VMAs

After dismal first month sales, Tessanne Chin’s Count On My Love has been named in yahoo. com’s ignominious ‘15 Albums that bombed in 2014’ list.

The album was named among several high-profile projects including singer Robin Thicke’s Paula, Jennifer Lopez’ AKA, Me. I Am by Mariah Carey, rapper 50 Cent’s Animal Ambition: An Untamed Desire to Win and Corazon by Santana.

The album is part of Chin’s prize package for winning season five of the NBC talent show, The Voice.

Tumbling Down, the first single from Count On My Love, failed to chart. So too the second single, Everything Reminds Me of You, co-produced by Grammy-winning Supa Dups, Mitchum Chin and Willy Chin.

The yahoo.com article zoomed in on the fall from grace of 50 Cent, Santana and Mariah Carey who were multi-platinum sellers 10 years ago.

THIS year marks Freddie McGregor’s 52nd year in the music business. The Clarendon-born singer started at the legendary Studio One as a protege/ward of the label’s founder, producer Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd. McGregor performed at the Grand Gala at the National Stadium, to celebrate Jamaica’s 52nd year of independence from Britain.

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL - Jamaica Observer

AIDONIA

embraces Rastafari

KANYE & KIM

buying former Presley estate

ed with him is now in the past.

NEW YORK _ Beyonce is set to have a ``Flawless’’ night at the MTV Video Music Awards.The singer will perform at the Aug. 24 show at The Forum in Inglewood, California. She leads in nominations with eight, including video of the year for ``Drunk in Love.’’

The Associated Press

After almost 10 years as a hardcore deejay, delivering some of dancehall’s biggest hits and being involved in lyrical feuds with several artistes, Aidonia appears to have had a spiritual awakening and is now on a new musical journey.

The entertainer, who donned a military-themed ensemble with Rastafarian embellishments at the recently held Reggae Sumfest, says he is now a different man and that the contentious persona associat-

According to Aidonia, he has been grappling with his spirituality for sometime, but it was the birth of his son that was the crescendo for change. He added that his spiritual transition will be gradual, highlighting that he has already purged meat from his diet.

Following his revelation, Aidonia has released the conscious effort, One Heart, which has been enjoying premium rotation on the radio airwaves. He is also gearing up to shoot music videos for Coco Powda and Love Off You Gyal.

In the coming weeks, he’s also expected to roll out his apparel line for the summer. The collection, dubbed 1Voice or 1V, will cater to both males and females with a line for children to follow.

The Jamaica Star

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have new digs. T-M-Z reports the couple is buying an estate in the L-A area for 20-million dollars. It was once owned by Lisa Marie Presley. The place is just five minutes from mom, Kris Jenner’s house. Real estate sources tell T-M-Z the estate has two pools, two vineyards and an entertainment pavilion.

The Associated Press

Music

Vision / Summer 2014

TW

TOP 15 VOCAL

1. Nesbeth - Ole Ganga Lee 2. Taurrus Riley - My Day 3. Cronix and Pyramid - Mi Alright 4. Jesse Royal - Modern Day Judas 5. Loyal Flames - Break Free 6. Richie Stephens & Oriel - Give a Reason 7. Bugle ft Lady Saw - Infidelity 8. I-Octane & Kymani Marley - A Yah Wi Deh 9. Cronixx - Spurlina 10. Romain Virgo - Soul Provider 11. Exco Levi - Walk in my Shoes 12. Tom Laing - One more Thing 13. Hezron - Check 14. Loyal Flames - Rolling down the Highway 15. Droop Lion - Ghetto Life

TW

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TOP 15 DANCEHALL

1. Kranium - Knobody has to know 2. Mavado - The Yuh 3. I-Octane - Your Eyes 4. Demarco - Good Book 5. Gage - Kitty Kat 6. Vybz Kartel - A Di Truth 7. Vybz Kartel - Punany a Mi Best Friend 8. I-Octane - Trendsetta 9. Mavado - Rise to the Top 10. Popcaan - Only Jah Know 11. Alkaline - Holiday Time Again 12. Spice - So mi Like It 13. Kalado - Personality 14. Iyara - Haters a Pree 15. Vybz Kartel - Without Money

LONDON CITY LOCK RADIO MONDAYS 4PM TO 6PM Tuesdays 12pm - 2pm

Upcoming Album Releases

Various Artists Reggae Gold 2014

Bunji Garlin Differentology

‘Duane Stephenson Dangerously Roots

Every summer, the world’s #1 Caribbean music compilation Reggae Gold brings the genre’s top hits into one must-have collection for the masses. This year’s installment, is a diverse set of reggae chart toppers and the freshest sounds of the season. It features artists like Major Lazer & Busy Signal, Jah Cure, Sean Paul & Konshens, Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons, Assassin, QQ, Etana, Spice, Gyptian & Melanie Fiona, Maxi Priest and Romain Virgo.

Since coming onto the scene in 1999 with “Send Dem Riddim Crazy” Garlin has been consistently popular in his native Trinidad. It was the slowburning success of 2013 Carnival single (and title track of this album) “Differentology,” that’s brought him an American audience. The track is, as the title would suggest, a different take on the soca sound. By last fall, “Differentology” was on urban radio around the country. Since then Busta Rhymes (who is Jamaican) and Major Lazer have remixed it, it’s appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, and was even one of NPR’s favorite 100 songs of 2013.

Directed by Ras Kassa, “Cool Runnings” is the first single off Stephenson’s upcoming album Dangerously Roots, The album features world class production from Clive Hunt, Dean Fraser, Christopher Birch, Phillip ‘Winta’ James and Donovan Germain It features guest appearances from Tarrus Riley, I-Octane, Lutan Fyah and Mutabaruka

Release Date: August 12, 2014

Release Date: August 12, 2014

Release Date: Sept 28, 2014

Sly and Robbie Dubmaster Voyage Drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare are Jamaica’s most prolific rhythm section and production duo, having played or produced 50,000 songs. The Duo has teaming up with U.S. native Dartanyan Winston for their new DUB release “DUBMASTER VOYAGE!”. This album features Dub Mixes By: Bunny Rugs, Brinsley Forde, Bitty McLean, Horace Andy, and MORE!

Release Date: August 19, 2014

10

Music

Straight from Yard with Irie FM’s DJ Amber Greetings,

It’s the second half of the year and not much has roused my interest in the dancehall.

The thing on everybody’s minds is the deteriorating state of the Jamaican economy and the rapid slide of the dollar/exchange rate.

I am heart broken by the state of affairs in my country, where the rich and the poor bawl about the same things. It will take more than the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and continuous taxation of citizens to return Jamaica to its former state of promise and potential.

It seems that the government’s only solution to Jamaica’s problems is to take from the already suffering majority. Case in point: the current procedures that promoters have to comply with in order to put on shows, parties and other events. The system is set up in such a way that each agency works with the other to ensure that all fees are paid before permits can be secured, and the fees are not cheap!

Here’s how it works: 1.Promoters put in a request letter to the police for their event 2.Pay JAMMS fee; amount determined by the agency 3.Pay JACAP; amount determined by the agency 4.Pay the parish council; amount determined by the agency For those who do not know, ‘JAMMS’ is the Jamaica Music Society which collects on behalf of owners of copyrighted music.

In order for recorded music to be played at any event, a JAMMS license is required. Otherwise it is deemed unauthorised to play any recorded music in public. In certain cases venue owners are required to pay this fee, as well as promoters. ‘JACAP’ – Jamaica Association of Composers and Publishers – is a national

non-profit organisation which is responsible for collecting on behalf of music writers, producers and publishers. The licensing fees vary for both agencies based on criteria set by them, including gate price and amount of patrons expected to attend the event. The law which governs both agencies have existed since the 1990s but have only been enforced lately. The problem promoters are having with this rule is getting an answer as to how both agencies go about determining what songs are played at each event, which would allow them to accurately pay out monies to composers, writers and artistes. Up until now, no sensible answer has been provided by either agency. As a selector and promoter, I have never seen, done or heard of playlists being provided to JAMMS or JACAP to confirm which songs were played. Therefore there is no guarantee that the people, whom these agencies are collecting on behalf of, actually receive any part of the fees collected (which by the way range from $3000 to $50,000!).

After the parish council is paid then an Amusement License can be granted. However the police may or may not approve the license after doing their checks!

These include double checking that all licenses have been paid for and that the location of the venue and planned activities therein, do not proceed contrary to the Noise Abatement Act. At the moment the cut off time for events during the week is 12 A.M., 2 A.M. on weekends and extensions for 4 A.M. are approved at the discretion of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for weekend events only.

So those are the various steps that promoters usually have to go through, in order to be granted a permit for any event. Now add to that the many expenses associated with events including music, electricity, food, liquor, venue, etc. It is certainly expensive to

put on any event in Jamaica and the laws are enforced against anyone who doesn’t adhere, with the police locking down events that have no permits. As a matter of fact, it is practically impossible to proceed with any promotion without paying all the government fees as the agencies correspond to ensure that the steps are followed up to the point of issuance of any permits/licenses. With that said, it has become very hard for promoters to finance their events, especially if they do not have sponsors and it is well known that promoting an event is a risk – with no assurance of making money.

Another thing that promoters must bear in mind is that as of July 2014, they will be required to become a member of the entertainment registry which is set up through the ministry of tourism and culture. In the future, those who are not a part of the registry will not be considered authentic promoters. I see the registry as a good idea to formalise the business of events, but think the fees mentioned above tend to be too high. As a promoter myself, I can only hope for sponsors to come on board and for a good turn out when my annual event comes around in November.

Until next time, stay irie DJ AMBER

Vision / Summer 2014

sports

Vision / Summer 2014

11

Bolt adds 1st Commonwealth gold to 6 Olympic wins, anchoring Jamaica’s relay team to glory

By Rob Harris THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

GLASGOW _ On a wet track following torrential rain, Usain Bolt gave the Commonwealth Games a display of showmanship and speed as he anchored Jamaica’s 4x100-meter relay team to gold and glory on Saturday.

Jamaica raced ahead of England in a games-record 37.58 seconds as the six-time Olympic gold medallist became a Commonwealth champion for the first time, enhancing the status of an event that can appear an anachronism

in the modern world.

But it is likely to be the last one at a Commonwealth Games for Bolt, who plans to retire after the 2017 world championships _ before Australia’s Gold Coast hosts the games in 2018.

“Even though it was cold, the energy was warm,’’ Bolt said.

Many doubted whether Bolt would turn up in Glasgow, having skipped the last two editions and being sidelined with a left foot injury earlier in 2014. The individual sprints were avoided, but the world’s fastest man made it clear that he craved a Commonwealth gold in his already illustrious medal haul.

Now Bolt has that gold from a Hampden Park experience he undoubtedly savored following a week when he was forced to deny making disparaging comments about Glasgow.

even more exuberant than usual.

Before running 100 metres, Bolt danced along to the lyrics of Scottish pop anthem ``500 Miles.’’

“I want to be there but maybe not as an athlete,’’ he said.

“It kind of helped me keep hyped up for the race,’’ Bolt said.

“The only bad thing about this place is the weather,’’ Bolt said.

“But I expected it.’’

After legs by Jason Livermore, Kemar Bailey-Cole and Nickel Ashmeade, Bolt continued running beyond his 100 metres, draping himself in a Jamaican flag, a Scottish Saltire and tartan hat as he entertained the crowd and posed for pictures.

There was, however, a pause in the showers when the biggest star of these games appeared on a track scattered with puddles and produced theatrics

“This new thing about selfies is really making these laps of honours really long,’’ Bolt said.

“It used to be autographs, now everyone wants a selfie.’’

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Vision / Summer 2014

Actress, singer, TV host Keke Palmer to be Broadway’s 1st black Cinderella

By Mark Kennedy THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK _ Like many girls, actress and singer Keke Palmer grew up dreaming of meeting a prince who would whisk her away to a life of love and happiness. In her case, it’s going to happen _ eight shows a week on Broadway.

Palmer said she’ll be stepping into the title role in ``Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella’’ starting Sept.

9 at the Broadway Theatre.

She will become the first African-American to play the part on the Great White Way. ``It’s honestly one of those things that I can’t believe is really happening,’’ Palmer said by phone Friday from her Los Angeles home. ``I’m very excited. Very excited and nervous as well _ a bunch of feelings all at once.’’

Palmer, 21, is stepping into the sparkly shoes first worn

by Tony-nominated Laura Osnes, then put on by ``Call

Me Maybe’’ Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepsen and currently worn by Paige Faure, who launches a national tour in the title role this fall.

Palmer, who will be making her professional stage debut, will rely on a host of skills she’s developed from film _ including ``Barbershop 2: Back in Business’’ and ``Akeelah and the Bee’’ _ her BET talk show, ``Just Keke,’’ and on TV in Showtime’s ``Masters of Sex.’’ Her albums include the 2007 CD ``So Uncool’’ and a self-titled 2012 EP. She has played Chili in ``CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story’’ and starred in Nickelodeon’s ``True Jackson, VP.’’ Palmer also appeared opposite Cicely Tyson and Vanessa Williams in Lifetime’s ``A Trip to Bountiful,’’ which was nominated for an Emmy Award. ``She acts beautifully, she dances, she sings _ she’s an amazing young woman,’’ Tony Award-winning producer Robyn Goodman said. ``I

think she’s going to be just so lovely.’’

The Illinois-born actress’s parents, Sharon and Larry Palmer, both worked as professional actors, and young Keke said she grew up watching theatre and welcomes the discipline it will give her. ``Theater offers so much more than I haven’t been able to access doing film and TV and everything like that,’’ she said. ``I’m very excited to learn all that it has to offer _ that focus and that dedication to perform at a certain level every night.’’

One of Palmer’s heroines growing up was the singer and actress Brandy Norwood, who played Cinderella in a 1997 TV movie opposite Whitney Houston. ``I feel like the reason I’m able to do this is definitely because Brandy did it on TV,’’ Palmer said. ``In me doing this, it shows everybody that everything is possible.’’

The producers of ``Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cin-

derella’’ have always been colorblind about casting the show, which Actors Equity honoured for excellence in diversity on Broadway last year. ``We’ve always just cast the best people for the parts.

Sometimes they’re African-American, sometimes they’re Latino, sometimes Asian-American,’’ Goodman said. ``It’s wonderful when it works out and we’ve finally found our Cinderella.’’

The traditional fairy tale has been given a sly and witty makeover by Douglas Carter Beane, who updated the story for a new generation. The songs by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II include ``In My Own Little Corner,’’ ‘’Impossible/It’s Possible`` and ‘’Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?`` ``Every girl’s dream is that story so to be able to play is going to be a dream come true for me. Not to mention that Stuart Weitzman made the glass slippers I’ll be wearing,’’ Palmer said,

laughing.

Winning the role of Cinderella is the latest breakthrough for African-Americans on Broadway, joining Norm Lewis as the first black man to play the title role in ``The Phantom of the Opera,’’ Nikki M. James playing Eponine in ``Les Miserables,’’ James Monroe Iglehart as the manic Genie in ``Aladdin’’ and Condola Rashad as Juliet opposite Orlando Bloom’s Romeo. ``Look around America.

Broadway is a little behind America,’’ Goodman said.

Fashion & Lifestyle

Vision / Summer 2014

EVERYDAY LIFE LESSONS

Make Yourself a To-Dont List

by Marilyn Marshall

Most of you are quite familiar with the advantages that are derived from making “TO - DO LISTS”. In fact, majority of you who have used them can attest to their value by claiming that they can contribute to the reduction of daily stress, lead to improvement in relationships, increase happiness in the home and productivity in the workplace. If the “To-Do Lists” are so effective, why can’t we all stop and create meaningful “To-Don’t Lists”? I have put together a few statements that are thought provoking and could contribute to a new YOU. Here are some items that appear under my “To Don’t List”.

Don’t expect to just stumble on to success.

Stumbling on to success is quite rare so don’t expect to wait around for success to come to you. Success takes work, effort, drive, motivation and a burning desire deep inside of you to succeed. In many ways, digging for success can sometimes feel just as intense as underground hard rock mining. Nevertheless, if you persist, the rewards can be great. In order to find success you need to understand that you have to go out there with the right tools to take advantage of the daily opportunities that come your way. You must have a plan in order to maximize success in your lives. You will have to go out there and work your plan as hard as you can if you want to be successful. Hang around, or study successful people, because they believe in themselves and their mission.

Success is contagious; you too can be caught up with the synergy that often accompanies successful people. One last thing, dedicate a few minutes every day imagining your own success.

Don’t wait for the perfect time There is never really a right time for anything in life. There is always going to be something in your way. For example, the weather is bad, my cheque was late coming, my cousin came over, etc. Whatever it is, there will always be something or someone whispering “Now is not the right time.” Do it anyway.

Don’t wait for the perfect time. It doesn’t exist Don’t be lazy.

The world doesn’t owe you anything. You owe the world something. Stop day dreaming and start DOING. Determination is being able to find the time you don’t have.

Don’t allow your yesterday to be the loudest voice in your today Don’t allow your past experiences to dominate your present life. Sometimes, people allow their negative thinking to cripple their present situation by the way they think and act.

We sometimes hear people say

things such as, “I was born on the wrong side of the track”, I am from a dysfunctional family therefore, not much is expected of me”, “I am of a different race”.

Or, “I had a bad start in life”. Let go of these negative utterances and speak positive words in your life such as, “I am born to succeed and nothing will stop me from achieving”.

Don’t work so hard to cover up incidents or experiences in your past.

Find the courage to accept what you have been through in your life. We often work so hard trying to discard the parts of our lives that were painful, disgusting, difficult and sad. But just as we can’t remove chapters out of a book and expect the story to still make sense, so, we cannot remove past chapters of our lives and expect our lives to still make sense. Graciously keep every chapter of your life intact and keep on turning them one page at a time. Sooner or later, you will get to a page that will bring it all together and suddenly you will understand why every page was so important and needed.

Don’t make excuses as you experience failure Don’t rationalize your failure by placing the blame on someone else. Accept when something is your fault. This will help you identify what you need to change to get better. An excuse after a failure is a refusal to make the situation better.

When you make a mistake and refuse to learn from it, the chances are, you’ll make the same mistake again. So, practice to learn as much as you can from your failures and quit making excuses for all the mistakes you have made. You can even look deep within for lessons you have learnt from each blunder you encounter. You will end up being a better YOU. Don’t burn your bridges as you journey through life.

A lot of life is about personal relationships. You will need people as you go through life. Focus on making great memories and don’t forget who helped you as you climb the ladder of success. Remember, great memories make us much happier than objects that we can buy with money.

13

BANG ON TREND! FASHION BITES

INYÜ African Printed Clothing

INYÜ is an Online Store dedicated to bringing to light a rich and inspired by the colors of Africa mode.

Proudly colored, it offers digital travel made possible through a selection of original and talented designers.

Chic and offbeat, INYU puts forward a high style in colors and prints, which combines ancestral tissues and trendy cuts, in order to inject a dose of

modernity to a mode that is no longer synonymous and obsolete!

The products offered on there website are manufactured in France and Africa, according to the creators.

They are all limited edition, guaranteeing a unique product.

should be better known.

Based in Europe, Africa or elsewhere, they put their creativity to fashion.

INYÜ comes from the English in you (in you) as to reveal the unique being in you!

The creators share their favorites by promoting full creative talent, which

Etana Launches Beauty Product Line

email your feedback to mshalmar920@gmail.com

Award-winning reggae chanteuse Etana has launched her own line of natural beauty products.

Starting this venture with soap bars, these have been made available for purchase via the ‘Strongones Shop’

on her website. True to Etana’s brand, these soaps consist of natural ingredients and there are nine different fragrances including Oat Cream Dance, Ganja Mint, Coco Lave and Mango Juice. Customers

can soon look forward to more goods such as body oils and lotions; Etana said the following – “I wanted to share with everyone the things I use and wear daily.

That’s how I came up with this idea.”

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Picture Page

Vision / Summer 2014

Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2014

CLASSIFIED

2014 / Page 15

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2013-05-22

3:20 PM