Music, Fashion, Culture, The 242 ...
Chrissy <<<ON THE COVER
LOVE
While most radio personalities sharply contrast their real life self, Chrissy Love is a ‘what you see is what you get’ kind of woman, who’s just as down to earth, raw and no holds barred in person as she is on the radio!
See more on Page 8
What’s
INSIDE
PHOTOGRAPHED BY FARRENO F MAKEUP: MAKARE GAIA (WILLISA ARMSTRONG) LOCATION - JOHN WATLINGS DISTLLERY
SKETCH TheSongBird Wendy Lewis Bahamian R&B crooner Sketch, talks about recent developments in his career & his upcoming project ! See more on Page 6
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GIRL RAKIA
BEAUTY & BRAINS PAGE 16
Independence is here--again and now that we are 40 years old we suddenly feel caught between the unfettered freedom of youth and the regret and denial of old age. This July you may find yourself sweating from something beyond the Summer heat. Instead you may be sweating because of the reality of our collective mid life crisis. So do you fight the urge to flail and gasp for air realizing we are not where we need to be? No. Flail away and fight to survive the long summer and the years ahead.
EDITORIAL
eLIFE
Budding female vocalist Wendy Lewis, dishes the goods on her vocal career and her new EP! See more on Page 4
DIGITAL
- eLIFE 242 Magazine | Managing Editor
242
CONTRIBUTERS
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FOCUS ON LOCAL EVENTS
WYCLEF STARTS OF HIS SET!
Wyclef Jean rocks out WORDS BY PHOTOS BY
eLIFE 242 Event Writer 242 Dreamer
WYCLEF & HATIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE BAHAMAS
GIA MIRAN IS ON FIRE !!!
2 www.elife242.com
UnityFest! On May 18th, the country came alive as Grammy Award winning artist Wyclef Jean landed in the Bahamas for the 1st Annual Unity Fest. Wyclef showed love from the moment he landed in the country, taking the time to great fans sign autographs and take pictures. Wyclef made his way in the inner city communities and greeted Bahamian & Creole speaking fans, eating at local spots and really digesting what it is to live in The Bahamas. When it came time for the show that night, Wyclef did not disappoint. bringing a high energy show featuring hits spanning his career along
with hits he would have written and produced for other artist. From start to finish the show was wild, from the opening acts that included local Haitian bands and artist and a host of Bahamian acts. The crowds energy level rose as Wyclef graced the stage and kept the artist going for 1hr plus, going as far as to climb the rafters. It was one of the shows that crossed the cultural divide that is getting deeper here in the country. eLIFE 242 was happy to see Bahamians and the Creole speaking community come together to have a good time!
SO$AMAN, FANCHON, JAYDE & STARMAKER CONTESTANT
JULIEN BELIEVE ROCKING THE CROWD
WILLIS & THE ILLIST ON STAGE www.elife242.com 3
FOCUS ON THE MUSIC The female voices of the Bahamian music industry have always been a force to reckon with. With a voice that effortlessly cruises through arrangments, Wendy Lewis is apart of that elite group. She has become one of the go to voices here in The Bahamas. Her upcoming EP entitled Lunar, will display her vocal and writing abilities, and will define her brand. We caught up with the busy song bird, so she could fill us in on the journey to this point. How did you first discover your talent for singing ? A: Well, I didnt discover it... my dad did. I have been singing for as long as I have known myself! The story goes that he noticed that I could simply sing better than most kids are able to sing and he took it upon himself to nurture my gift.
The SONG BIRD F LY I N G H I G H W I T H T H E
WENDY LEWIS WORDS: MAKAILAN FERRON P H OTO G R A P H Y: B A R RY W I L L I A M S
4 www.elife242.com
Can you remember your first time performing (tell us about it) ? A: Oh ya, of course! I was 4 years old, and I sang ‘The Greatest Love of All’ by Whitney Houston for my preschool graduation at St. Johns Native Baptist preschool. I don’t remember much, but I remember being on stage... I remember the moment and knowing that I was doing something that came so naturally to me; I was not afraid. Who were some of the people who encouraged you with your talent? A: My Family. Definitely my father and mother are my greatest supporters. I’ve also had teachers and church family along the way and as I grew older, industry folks began to take notice and really encourage my growth in music Who is Wendi (The Song Bird), what makes her voice and personality special ? A: Who is Wendi!? lol...um let’s see..I’m a girl, I’m black...lol... Ok let me get serious. I’m really fun loving and bubbly. Maybe a bit extra and animated, but...what is life without a few of us to spark up peoples day! As far as my voice, I’m happy to say that I’ve found it. I’ve found my voice, which any singer can tell you is exciting and a milestone in their development. So many times as artists, our muses and
LAST SEEN<<< #eLIFELeevanSands the persons we look up to tend to overshadow our individuality. My voice is a direct extension of my heart. You can almost literally hear my heart sing when I take the mic...hence the nickname songbird. I think that is what distinguishes me from anyone else...I want my listeners to feel with their ears, and listen with their heart. Which Female R&B artist do you look up to and why ? A: Mama Whitney!!!! Whitney Houston baby! I shed real tears when she passed away. Her voice was just..incomparable. I actually did a tribute of one of my favorite songs by her, Saving All My Love. But yea, she is my ultimate. Her career was amazing. Also, Queen B, Beyonce is my everything..lol. Her work ethic, her class, her stage presence. There is no one doing what she is doing in the game right now.
So how would you describe your style of music ? A: I’m definitely a pop/RnB artist. But as a real student of music (I studied music at Berklee College of Music) Im totally in love with all genres of music. Just give me a live band, and I’m there! So can we expect a EP or full album soon ? A: Oh YES! My EP is entitled Lunar...it is my baby. Lunar is really a snapshot into my heart. I’m really excited for people to hear it. Excited and nervous all at the same time!...but thats how I know its important. I’m basically done with all the recording for Lunar which will be a 6 song EP and I dont have a specific date yet, but its definitely going to hitting this summer. So can we expect a EP or full album soon ? A: You are going to see more of me... Wendi, the artist. Even though I’ve been doing alot of performances with my band, you can expect to see me perform my own music at different venues around town. So please connect with me through twitter, facebook and youtube so you can stay in touch with whats going to be happening :-)
www.twitter.com/songbirdwendi www.youtube.com/wendi242 www.facebook.com/wendi242
Olympic Medalist Leevan Sands updates us on his recovery!
DID YOU GET YOUR COPY ?
In our previous edition Bahamian Olympic Medalist Leevan Sands talks about life since his injury at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He talks about how hard the recovery process is and how it has affected his public and private life.
See more from this story at www.elife242.com
BREAK AWAY FROM
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THE HERD
Beer is the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage and is the third-most popular drink overall, just after water and tea. Possibly dating back to the early Neolithic or 9500 BC, when cereal was first farmed, and is recorded in the written history of ancient Iraq and ancient Egypt. As Beer is globally produced and consumed, it stands to reason that there will be nothing short of a myriad of styles and flavours presented based on culture, main ingredient and makers taste preference. Most of us decide very early what our brand is and rely on that to see us through the golden years. As we age our style becomes more polished and our taste for life more sophisticated. We should treat our beer consumption habits the same way. Stepping out of your BEER COMFORT ZONE can be hard, but I promise you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find. Liquid Courage Limited is committed to providing you with an explorer’s adventure on Beer! Now featuring 54 beers, we can supply you with a new flavour for each week of the year plus some. It’s a smorgasbord of culinary brewed brilliance; Ciders, Ales (Pale Ales, IPAs, and Brown Ales), Lagers, Stouts & Bitters This month our star is Carlsberg Elephant Beer. This new Royalty of Strong Beer packs a punch of 7.2% alcohol, but it doesn’t end there- THIS BEER IS REALLY GOOD! COLOUR: Inviting Bright Gold NOSE: This has a really strong yeasty smell. You can almost taste this beer by the smell. Not a bad thing! FLAVOUR: Those same yeasty aromas do carry over. The beer also starts out thin and crisp, and then quickly becomes sweet. There is not much carbonation, and while the beer is not thick, it is just a lovely velvet mouthful. You will just love the slightly sweet finish! AFTERTASTE: There isn’t much of an aftertaste; it starts of sweet that dries to a crisp clean finish. So break away from the herd and come say hello the Elephants right here at Liquid Courage Limited 19 Patton Street, Palmdale, I promise you will love it!
At Liquid Courage Limited – We like the way you drink! www.liquidcourageltd.com | Phone: 242-322-2202 www.elife242.com 5
INDUSTRY BUZZ
SKETCH BAHAMIAN R&B CROONER
CHRIS “SKETCH” CAREY
With a distinct sound that has risen to the top of the pile in the local music scene and has made waves in international markets; Bahamian R&B artist/producer Sketch (Christopher Carey) has proven to be one of the most versatile artists in the country. Son of the legendary Bahamen guitarist Patrick Carey and brother to Rik Carey Bahamen lead singer, Sketch comes from a long line of talent and he has not disappointed. With musical hits such as My Candidate, Choose One & recently Wine For Ya Man, Sketch has been one of the producers and artist that has helped to shape the modern Bahamian Sound. Now in New York shopping his brand to the big record labels, we caught up with Sketch to ask him a few questions about his career so far and what he hopes to get out of the meetings in New York!
Describe the Sketch Sound? A: My Sound Is Versatile, Creative, Divine. Don’t want to be put in a box so I’m open to all genres/sounds/ culture Which one of your songs do you think has had the biggest exposure? A: My Candidate was my biggest hit so far in the local and international markets. When people hear your music what are they most surprised about? A: When people hear my music they’re mostly surprised that I Produced it, Wrote it & Sang it. Most Say they love the tone of my voice and the creativity of my sound. Which artist would you be excited to collab with right now? A:Any one who is Dope. Who has a creative mind. Who’s talented & Got it! How are the meeting with record labels going? A: I’m working w/Artist’s from Atlantic Records right now which is a blessing. Later down the line I’ll bring out another single. Locking in on endorsement deals, placement & publishing deals. Increasing my revenue and brand.
A FEW SONGS YOU MAY KNOW PRODUCED BY SKETCH:
• Ncity - Like Me • Angelique Sabrina - Speaker Box • Tada - No One Else • Garnel Storr - You & Me • K Jae - Beast Mode • Sakinah - I Miss www.sketchcarey.com www.twitter.com/sketchcarey www.reverbnation.com/sketchcarey www.instagram.com/sketchcarey www.elife242.com 7
COVER STORY
COVER STORY
Chrissy
Love
Joke...
is no
& Christina Thompson is no different!
“One of the things I’ve always said is that in The Bahamas it seems to me that we are a society, while we have this love of women, we have this inherent hostility toward women and girls in our country,” she says. “I’ve been labeling it misogyny. I think people misunderstand me or any women like me who is communicative, who tends to speak her mind, who tells you, ‘I don’t appreciate that.’ And unfortunately I’m a woman in a society where it’s very patriarchal and you’re supposed to know your place, but my thing is, my place is wherever I want it to be.” Despite what’s portrayed in some circles, Chrissy says she’s not one to be rude or abrupt about being corrected if she’s wrong. But she says the mere fact that she’s going to question being put in her place makes her an easy target for being misjudged and mislabeled. 8 www.elife242.com
“And you know the famous word they throw at us,” she said with an exaggerated neck roll. “But I flip that word around to mean, Being In Total Control Honey. B.I.T.C.H. “I think that’s why I’m misjudged and its weird, even though we’re in front of the microphone or in front of the camera our industry is dominated by men and they have their preconceived ideas of what a woman is. The controlling power, the people who control the stations the channels the ad power they tend to be men. They expect Bahamian women to fit into a mold and ironically a lot of Bahamian women are content on fitting in that mold.” And it’s that B.I.T.C.H in her that could be credited with ensuring that she wasn’t just another casualty in a field dominated by testosterone. Although a female powerhouse in Bahamian media, Chrissy says even before she was 10 years old she had an, “Ah ha!” moment, of sorts that stirred her media career.
“I can’t even pretend it’s that deep,” she giggled. “I was eight years old, living in Brooklyn and I drew a picture. My parents got a call saying they wanted me to come on a CBS TV show called Around The Corner. “It was a picture of a cat watching TV. When I walked into the CBS studios in New York, I know this sounds corny, but I just felt something come over me. And I said, ‘I like this.’ I was in the studio recording the show, saw Ed Sullivan and I said I want to do this for the rest of my life.” And the beloved (or hated, she doesn’t really care) Chrissy Love was born and she probably didn’t even know it. “I was always communicative and mouthy, I was always a good writer and I fell into the radio part of it,” she adds. “It came about by accident when I was at college and used to hang out with my friend and one time someone didn’t show up to work and
While most radio rply personalities sha l life contrast their rea self, Chrissy Love is is a, what you see of d in k t e g u o y t a h w t as s ju ’s o h w , n a m o w w down to earth, ra red and no holds bar adio as she is on the r >>>
mixing the rs whirred, As blende for cafn oncoctio perfect c d off to e icts who lin s at a feine add e fix g in rn mo d order their Chrissy an , p o sh e e in w a local coff to chairs next I pulled up to talk. dow seat .. My life is an ax me “What u w ’t nothing in book...a an open ll” much to te long interan hour’s r e ft a t Bu e far from roved to b view this p the truth. l d to pee yers starte asre c As the la in g in s becom back, it wa hrissy was nt that C e d vi e ingly fun loving s, u vivacio indeed a it is, charo tells it like woman wh t are able to shine tha acteristics dio. n on the ra through eve ly clear increasing What’s also rview is the fact inte from this illed, “big a strong w g in e b media, that in n woma fight ily mouthed” a d to fight a to – she’s left ve a h n e wom that many g in media, she in sexism. Be mes ten-fold. co sm xi se , says
HIA SMITH WORDS: IANT FERGUSON Y: FA R R E N O H P A R G O PHOT
I used to play Bahamian music in my dorm room and they said, ‘Hey play some of that ‘Bohemian’ music.’ I like being behind the scenes, I can’t stand the pressures of looking and sounding beautiful. In the early 80s, I worked in radio at The Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (ZNS) as a Summer student while in college and when radio was liberalized, I broadcasted from Florida on Love 97. I eventually came home and turned what we thought talk radio was ...upside down. Although she says she was offered permanent jobs at the national broadcasting station for years, she always shrugged them off claiming that she didn’t want to conform to the directorate of any government telling her what she could and couldn’t say. “Now one government is a little better than the other,” Chrissy adds. “One government we know their history of censorship and oppression and dissension, they crush opposing
voices. So I never wanted to accept a job when they were in power.
ruffled the feathers of many government officials, despite who was in power.
“When I got the call in 2007, I had been at another private radio station and I was told ZNS was going to be a public service broadcaster and I said finally, contrasting points of view, no Members of Parliament calling me to tell me what to say. So I said I’d take it on and my ego kicked in and I would have been the first female host of that show. I went there in 2009 wanting to create a new climate.”
“From August 4, 2009 when I stepped inside the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, I’d been receiving threats from people at the Corporation and former Cabinet ministers,” Chrissy says, now mixing her own caffeinated concoction with some naturally grown goods.
But the climate would remain just as cold as it has always been in her mind. For three years Chrissy hosted the popular Immediate Response radio talk show. Remember the feisty, mouthy radio personality we told you was no joke earlier, she kicked in every time her microphone went on air. And with The Bahamas existing in such a small politically motivated environment she often
“I was threatened ever since I took the job at ZNS because a lot of people in this country believe that certain institutions belong to them. It was nothing new to me so I used to laugh it off. “Talk show hosts are social commentators, I always tell people if you want news then you need to listen to the newscasts. But talk shows are opinion. If I want to be biased then that’s my business. If I want to castigate a government policy I have that right because that’s our role. We commentators are to shed light on the inadequacies.” www.elife242.com 9
“I was threatened ever since I took the
job at ZNS because a lot of people in this country believe that certain institutions belong to them.
At this point the whirring of the blenders and strong scents of coffee, tea and newspaper ink were nonexistent as Chrissy dug deep into what she remembers as an oppressive Bahamian history and culture in communications in the 70’s and 80’s, but that still had strong influence even in 2013. It was all now at play once again and she was the target this time.
I had the Free National Movement (FNM) who was in power at the time telling me I was hard on them and going form that to the PLP saying I’m critical. But I’m a nationalist and whoever is doing mess I’m going to speak on it and unfortunately, in our nations genesis both of our political parties made some severe missteps that has made us come to the crossroads we are.” But she says the ZNS firing was working in her favor as she was turning 50 and was planning on leaving the industry to pursue business ventures.
“May 3, 2012 was when I said to myself that they were serious about these threats and my name was called at a rally in a very pejorative way,” she adds, seemingly now not rattled by the alleged unfair treatment. “And after the election I did a show called a post mortem of the May 7 elections. Certain ignorant Bahamians said I wanted the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Government to die. They said I was wishing death on the government and I was too critical. I am an equal opportunity offender if you’re doing BS I will offend you. So I was called into the general manager’s office and they said where were invoking a particular clause in my contract. I was fired without pay even though my contract was ending in 12 weeks.” Chrissy says on May 14 she was fired from ZNS without her full contracted pay. “On May 14, 2012 the PLP government victimized Christina Thompson. I don’t hold grudges I remember facts. “I’ve been doing this for 25 to 30 years. And they wanted to make an example of me. They attempted to take away my income but I laughed because, yes while you are my source of income God is my source. They fired me and paid me only four weeks’ notice. I called everyone out at that time! What made the ZNS debacle confusing for me was that I was critical of both sides of the political divide. 10 www.elife242.com
“
But as a new election cycle heated up, Chrissy says so did egos.
the way she lived life, something that literally saved her life. “In 2007 I would have been in my late 40’s or so and I noticed I wasn’t feeling well. But ya know me, I was like, ‘ I am PHAT – Pretty hot and tempting!’ But when that hypertension, diabetes, acne, bad skin, cholesterol and arthritis came up I was like what’s wrong with me? “I found out I had every lifestyle disease known to man. I always knew about the vegan lifestyle but again, aint nothing like a fry dry with onion and mayonnaise. I always knew what I needed to do but when sickness visited me on my doorstep that was my wakeup call.” With a young son in tow, Chrissy realized it wouldn’t be worth it to continue being sick for pork chop, white rice and chicken. “So I went on this hardcore diet. I cut everything. My doctor told me if I don’t fix this in 30 says I’d be put on on medication for 30 days or I’d have likely a stroke and die,” she adds.
“The very next day I got a call from Guardian Radio,” Chrissy beams. “I am so grateful that I have not stayed unemployed long. “I may be many things, you can call me whatever but you cannot say I’m not damn good at my job. I may have my lil attitude, my lil ego. But ego is what makes us good in this business. The first time I was offered a job at Guardian Radio, I decided to stay at ZNS but after it didn’t pan out, I left. And that’s why my show is called Reality Check because the nation needs one. I have the privilege of having both governments piss me off.” And that’s the story of Chrissy Love’s life marking minor and sometimes major victories along life’s journey. One in particular caught the nation’s eyes and forced her to change everything about
“So for 30 days I said, ‘I’m going to adapt this lifestyle that I know works.’ I went hardcore raw. No cooked food, maybe only steamed veggies. The next thing I knew hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol were gone. My skin cleared up, wrinkles left and I was 40 pounds lighter. I then took the medication and got sicker and I said let me continue on this path, I did live and whole foods. “People noticed and after they said I had AIDS and was dying then they asked what I was doing. They started noticing and I told them, vegetables but they thought I was joking.” Chrissy says a year had past since she started on the path of nature and it gave her an extra boost to do things she says she never even dreamed of doing. “I was doing marathons and I was feeling great. People were amazed and I kept telling them it was my live food diet. I decided to go
â&#x20AC;&#x153;
www.elife242.com 11
“ Anyone who knows my history in this business, knows it aint been an easy road!
COVER STORY
the path of nature to heal my issues.” Being the kindhearted woman she is, Chrissy wanted others with similar issues to share in her success.
nesses. “Whenever I stressed I have to have a thigh fry dry with Anejo and Coke and that just derails things,” she says.
And Raw on the Porch was birthed in 2010.
One thing that won’t be derailed by the dramas and pressures of life and careers for Chrissy is the love and admiration she has for her son Wayne Russell III.
are some behaviors about my country I don’t feel too proud about. I want to use my powers for good whatever powers media gives you I just want to use my powers to inspire people to get it together. I’m just a simple carefree person, misjudged a lot of times. But that’s how it is. People think they know you because you’re on radio on TV and in the magazines. But I’m just a single mother raising my son.”
“He’s a big boy I’m proud of him, he’s smart, athletic and he’s a teenager, he tries to test me, but he’s at that age.
So when Chrissy Love comes off as too strong or too cold, she says it’s not her intention to be brash.
“I just try to love a simple life for me and my son.”
“Anyone who knows my history in this business, knows it aint been an easy road being an outspoken woman in this business,” the radio personality says. “I’ve clashed with many radio station owners. We are so content as women to accept lower salaries than men doing the exact same job they are doing and that annoys me. I’m tired of having to fight the fight for doing a job they want me to do and when I say I want to be paid like the men it’s a problem. If the check don’t cash I don’t come to work.”
“I started making drinks for people and I believe when you find something that’s helping you, you don’t keep it to yourself,” she says so humbly. “I started blending the green drinks and people started paying for them. At the end of the year I’d done a relay, Ride For Hope and started a triathlon but I didn’t like the seaweed so I quit. I went from 350 plus pounds to 198 pounds. In that year my life just changed. Chrissy says her store which was set in a quaint area in the Palmdale area started as a labor of love to show others that you could do it too. But the pressures of being a small business owner was starting to take its toll and Chrissy fell off her weight loss journey. “The healer has to now heal herself and when I saw myself going back to my bad destructive habits because agencies stress out small busi-
At the end of the day Christina Thompson “Chrissy Love” says, in her own words, that all she’s attempting to do is be “a beloved child of God doing right in the world.” “But sometimes that’s so difficult to do,” Chrissy says. “I just seek to be a person who people can say she did something while she was here. Whether it’s to raise my son as best as I can, to leave my mark on the world or to change my country. “I’m Bahamian, a proud Bahamian but there
And in that order!
DRESS UP featuring
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PINK PEPLUM SKIRT COMBO
Miss Bass FASHIONISTA / STYLIST
There’s nothing wrong with showing a little skin and what better way to do that than with a crop top? Crop tops are sexy, trendy and can be paired with: • A peplum skirt, which accentuates many body types because it creates a waistline, • High waisted acid wash jeans, which is more of a casual 80s look or • A high waist maxi skirt, which is flirty and perfect for the summer. If you are a bit self-conscious about showing off your stomach, pair your crop top with highwaisted bottoms. This draws more attention to the thinner portion of your waistline and has a slimming
effect. Moreover you don’t have to worry about a muffin top when you sit. Accessories can make or break an outfit. The focal point of outfits like these is the crop top itself. I’m wearing a leopard top the three looks so I wore complementary gold accessories, which are trendy right now. I wore black handbag and sandals because leopard print is eye catching and I did not want to have too many focal points. If your top is a darker, more toned down color then playing around with color blocking is always an option. There’s no doubt you will get attention when wearing a crop top so don’t forget to wear you most important accessory: confidence. www.elife242.com 13
island Tidbits
If you missed the last few months of events here in the 242, here are a few small bites to keep you in “The Know”. From fashion to music to art our eLIFE 242 street team was out and about at all the major events! WORDS BY
Minasje
Local Fashion Designer Dominates in Regional Design Competition! Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Seally made it all look so easy, when it came to dominating the competition during the caribbean’s first fashion design reality show “Mission Catwalk”. From start to finish Theodore’s garment production technique and designs kept the judges attention , and as every challenge pass he started to become the clear winner of the this designer’s slugfest. With representitivex from every part of the region including places like Haiti, Barbados, Jamaica and more this weekly show was quite a hit in the local market as it could be seen weekly on Cable 12. By winning Theodire cemented a spot in this year’s London Fashion week and his designs will see the show floors of some exclusive clothing boutiques.
FIDELITY Bank targets youth audience using local Hip Hop music! We at eLIFE 242 Magazine were pleasantly surprised when we learned that local banking institution Fidelilty would be using local hip hop artist Danez’s single “How It Go” as the theme of the latest ad campaign. It was a big step for corporate Bahamas to accept the popularity of locally created music and then infuse not only the music but the artist himself in to the campaign. In what could only be seen as a push to engage younger consumers to bank with Fidelity and save money, the company reworked the ever popular “How It Go” single to fit the needs of the bank. You can view the ad on the company’s facebook page and nightly now during the evening news report!
RainDrop Records releases “Two Paths, Same Dream” Since 2008 the team of Liquid, Trigga and the Raindrop Records Label have touched the airwaves with continuous music. In December 2012 they released Trigga’s first mixtape “Trigganometry 101” produced by Liquid which allowed Raindrop Records to recieve great exposure in the local and international markets, until, Liquid’s death in 2012. Now in 2013 a new project arises, that places two artist from different parts of the game in the right spot to create a mixture of hip-hop and R&B. Trigga the youngest artist signed to Raindrop Records is back with a new mixtape titled “Two Paths, Same Dream” which includes trunk bangers for the streets, and slow jams for the ladie. The mixtape promises to highlight the change, pain, struggles and reassurance that Raindrop Records still lives and keeping things going for their fallen soldier and friend (Liquid). The mixtape will be available for digital download at
14 www.elife242.com
WANT YOUR EVENT FEATURED IN TIDBITS - Send us an email to info@elife242.com w/ Photos, a Paragraph, and your contacts!
eLIFE 242 p r e s e n t s
Pretty Girl Cooks
w/ Jasmine Forbes
Mushroom Chicken Marsala INGREDIENTS • 4 Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless) • Vegetable oil as needed • 1 cup Flour • To taste Salt • To taste Pepper • 1 pound Mushrooms • 2 ounces Shallots (peeled, minced)
• 8 ounces Marsala Wine • 16 ounces Chicken stock • 8 ounces Heavy Cream • 2 ounces Butter • 3 tablespoons Parsley, chopped Makes 8 servings
FIRST YOU MUST TRIM THE FAT OFF OF THE CHICKEN then slice each chicken breast in half as if you were to butterfly the chicken. Flatten the chicken breast with a meat mallet to about ¼” thick. HEAT A LARGE SAUTÉ PAN and add a small amount of oil, just enough to coat the pan. SEASON THE CUTLETS WITH SALT AND PEPPER on both sides. Lightly dredge the cutlets in flour, shaking off the excess. When the oil begins to shimmer, place cutlets into the hot oil but do not overcrowd the pan. Brown the chicken cutlets on both sides for approximately 3 minutes per side. If your pan begins to smoke, turn down the heat. Remove the cutlets when brown and place on a plate. ADD THE MUSHROOMS AND SHALLOTS to the sauté pan, and cook until soft. Next, add the Marsala wine to the pan, ensure that the pan is off the flame. Reduce by half then add the chicken stock and continue to reduce. Heavy cream is then added and reduced which helps to thicken the sauce. ADJUST THE SEASONING WITH SALT AND PEPPER to taste. Place the chicken breasts back into pan until thoroughly cooked. The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Remove the pan off the heat, and whisk in the butter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve over your choice of angel hair pasta or mashed potatoes.
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NOTE
If you add the wine to the pan over the flame, the alcohol will begin to flambé. For safety precautions, alcohol is always added to the pan when it’s off the flame.
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DIGITAL GIRL Rakia Rolle AGE: 21 HEIGHT: 5’5 SIGN: LIBRA MEASUREMENT: 34 - 27 - 35
So Ms. Rolle what do you think best describes your personality?
I think Kind-Hearted best describes my personality. I’m very easy going, I love to help others, I believe in chances and most importantly I believe in love. I LOVE love... Yes, I am one of those girls!
“ TRUTHFULLY
What first inspired you to get into modeling/acting? A friend of mine invited me to a modeling class, I was really shy to walk at first because it was my first time going at it, when I started to walk Mr. Greg (the model coach) told me that my walk reminded him of Naomi Campbell everyone in the class agreed; it was right then and there where I got my inspiration.
I THINK EVERYTHING ABOUT ME IS SEXY!
My Miss Bahamas experience was truly amazing! I made it to the top 10, won the title of Miss Photogenic, placed 1st runner up in the top model competition, made really great connections and apart from my accomplishments I met and bonded with alot of amazing people.
- @RAKIARROLLEXOXO
What do you think is your sexiest quality?
Truthfully I think everything about me is sexy, but since you’re asking me to choose I would say my sexiest quality,well qualities are my cheek bones and my legs.
“
When guys approach you what is their biggest misconception of you?
I’m a very confident person and it shows. So many are intimidated by it and approach with caution.
So if eLIFE 242 was to ask you out, what is the one thing we should not do?
One of my most biggest pet peeves is someone grabbing on my body or touching me in inappropriate places to get my attention. That automatically turns me off.
+TOP2
What is your most memorable experience so far in the Industry?
Rakia’s
Top 2 Foods
Chocolate Icecream and Garlic Alfredo Pasta
Top 2 Places You want to travel
Italy and Paris
Top 2 Music Songz and Artist Trey Miguel 16 www.elife242.com
My most memorable experience so far in this industry was when I became the face of Fash Art 2012. I was beyond thrilled. It felt AMAZING to see my face everywhere.
Where do you want to see ‘Rakia’ in a few years?
In a few years I see myself as an international commercial model with a degree in Martime Law. I know they’re both two completely different fields and careers, but I am more than determined to accomplish them both.
Hair: Devon Hanna | Photographer: Makario Gibson |Makeup Artist: Torkel Dawkins
We first met you during your try at the Miss Bahamas crown ... How was that experience?