Contents
Cover Story: Swaggin’ with Tifa p.7 Movie Review: Safe House p.4 Valentine’s Day: The give and take policy p.7 Dressing on a budget p.10 Our everyday style p.11
15
Top cheesiest love songs ever p.13
5 notable young Jamaicans
17
11
p.14
Five things I’ve learned from Spirit Bound p.16 Behind the scenes with the team p.17
4
14
From the Editor
High HIV prevalence among young girls A
recent article reporting that young females have a higher HIV prevalence rate than males indicates a worrying trend that needs immediate action. According to Minister of Health, Dr. Fenton Ferguson, young women 10-29 and those specifically in the 15-19 age group are contracting HIV at a higher rate than their male counterparts. “Four times as many young women in these age groups have been reported with HIV than young men,” the article revealed. Undoubtedly, the fact that young persons within that age group, both males and females, are contracting HIV at such a rate is much cause for concern. As youth, you need to understand the importance of protecting yourself and taking responsibility for your own sexuality. Yes, in this sexually commercialised world there is still such a thing as being too young for sex, and it is important that you don’t feel pressured into ‘doing it’ simply because those around you think you should. You have to know that yielding to peer pressure doesn’t make you cool and no one should make you do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing. HIV can be prevented. It doesn’t have to be as pervasive as it is now. Abstaining from sex is the only true way of ensuring that you do not contract HIV. If not, then you should ensure that you use protection every time. Also, it is important that
www.ezineslimited.com
you know not only your status but that of your partner. Encourage them to get tested. An estimated 32,000 Jamaicans are living with HIV, according to UNAIDS. Teen Spirit’s One-Year Anniversary Tomorrow will mark Teen Spirit eZine’s official one-year anniversary. We would like to thank all our readers who have stayed with us over the course of the year. Your feedback has been tremendous and we appreciate the time you take to read, share and comment on our issues. We promise to build on the high standard that we’ve established, as we move to give you better quality stories and more variety from your favourite online magazine for teens. We have many things in store for you, including prizes, surprises and exciting competitions that will see you winning big. Also, the publication would not be successful without our team of writers and today we recognise their contribution to the product. We have a vision for Teen Spirit eZine and with your help we intend to take it to even higher heights. And as we recognise Valentine’s Day today, I encourage you to make love a permanent part of your interactions with family, friends and strangers. For today and always, let us endeavor to live love. Have a love-filled day. Keresa Teen Spirit
3
Entertainment
MoVIe ReVIew by Alana Gardner
saFE housE PG-13
H
appy Valentine’s Day, everybody! I hope all you young lovebirds are having a great day. Wow, I sound just like an old lady… Awkward. Anyway, this week I went to see Safe House, much to my excitement and disappointment. I was hoping to see The Vow for Valentine’s Day, but sadly it wasn’t out yet. Sometimes I really hate the movie system here. I mean, am I the only one that’s still waiting for Immortals to come out? I’ve been waiting for three months and it’s still not here, much to my dismay. Anyway, getting back to this week’s movie review; the excitement I felt at the prospect of watching this movie was astounding. I mean, getting to see the exceptionally talented, iconic Denzel Washington and the comedic Ryan Reynolds team up for the first time is certainly not an event to be missed, and I was very eager to see it. Safe House tells the story of Tobin Frost (Washington), the CIA’s most dangerous traitor, who has eluded capture for almost a decade, stunning the intelligence community when he surfaces in South Africa with the most explosive intel he’s ever got his hands on. When the safe house to which he’s remanded is attacked by brutal mercenaries, a rookie, Matt Weston (Reynolds) is forced to help him escape. As the masterful manipulator toys with his reluctant protégé, the young operative finds his morality tested and idealism shaken. Now, they must stay alive long enough to uncover who wants them dead.
www.ezineslimited.com
Teen Spirit
4
advertisment
Ryan Reynolds (left) with Denzel Washington in a scene from the movie.
When I was watching the trailers for this film, I think that I might have given it more credit than it was actually due. Although Washington and Reynolds work well together, I was immensely bored one hour into the movie. Hell, I even found and downloaded an app for my BlackBerry while ‘watching’. One of the best qualities of an action-thriller is the suspense and the ability to keep viewers on the edge, constantly trying to figure out who the bad guy is; but an hour into the movie, we were nowhere closer to finding out what was going on than we were at the beginning. But thankfully the film recovered during the second part as the action and espionage stepped up, causing the phrase OMG to be constantly on my lips. To be honest, although the movie did go out with a bang, the only way I would watch it again as if I could skip the first half and get right to the good stuff. Safe House is an action-thriller from Universal Pictures and is directed by Daniel Espinosa, earning itself three out of five stars. Starring Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Brendan Gleeson, Sam Shepard, Vera Farmiga, Fares Fares, Robert Patrick, Nora Arnezeder, Liam Cunningham, Joel Kinnaman and Ruben Blades.
www.ezineslimited.com
Teen Spirit
Relationships
Valentine’s Day: The give and take policy by Ava Gardner
I
t’s Valentine’s Day! Tradition dictates that we give and receive gifts to and from a person we mutually decide to be our Valentine, but what happens when you give and don’t receive anything from your Valentine? If this happens and you’re unsure of what to do, Teen Spirit eZine has some tips that can help you to deal with this. BE COOL Maybe your Valentine forgot that it’s that special day, or maybe they thought that giving gifts wasn’t a requirement. Or, maybe their gift to you is immaterial, or there’s an obstacle preventing you from receiving it. The point is, there are so many possible reasons as to why you didn’t receive a gift. OBSERVE Be patient and see how the rest of the day goes. Pay attention to your Valentine’s actions, particularly his/her actions and words towards you throughout the course of the day. Did he/ www.ezineslimited.com
she show gratitude for their gift or receive it quickly and leave? Has he/she been avoiding you all day? Because of the spontaneity of Valentine’s Day, it’s kind of hard to make quick and accurate conclusions, so just sit back and observe. CONFRONTATION This might be awkward, but it doesn’t have to be if it’s done properly. In privacy, you can simply ask your Valentine about your gift or express to them excitement for your gift, to hint that you are still expecting one. If they planned on giving you a gift, more than likely they’ll let you know when you’re getting it. 364 Valentine’s Day is just one day in the year. If they treat you well and express their love for you the other 364 days and just decide not to get you a gift on Valentine’s Day, it shouldn’t be a big deal. Don’t take back your gift either. Just let him or her know how you feel, so next time they’ll know better if they happen to be your Valentine again. Teen Spirit
6
Cover story
swaggin’ with tifa
The ‘Certified Diva’ shares her views on love, new album and the music industry Photos by Warren Buckle
L
atifa ‘Tifa’ Brown is the undisputed queen of swag. That’s a fact. The young dancehall artiste has created a niche in the industry, pleasing fans and silencing critics with her talent, creative lyrics and staying power. It’s a combination that has guaranteed significant successes since she made her official debut more than five years ago. Since then, hit songs such as Bottom of the Barrell, Spell it Out and Certified Diva, a collaboration with Tami Chynn signalled her entry into mainstream dancehall. Undeniably, she’s currently one of the hottest acts in the industry hands down, with 2011 being one of her most successful years to date. That’s when Tifa ruled the Youth View Awards and the hit song Swaggin’, with Future Fambo and Wayne Marshall, commanded the airwaves and was a must-play at parties and clubs everywhere. Raised in a family rich with musical influences, Tifa knew her destiny was already set in the industry, but with her mother’s prodding, she studied Psychology and Human Resource at the University of the West Indies. “I’m happy I did because it’s alwww.ezineslimited.com
ways good to have a backup plan. If God forbid and I can’t do this, at least there’s something else I can do,” she shares. She pursued music while attending university, but it wasn’t until after graduation that she started to seriously follow her passion. “Growing up, my uncle had a record store. My mom and my stepdad had a record store…it was all around us. My daddy was a great collector of music, he had like chests and chests of music,” she says. Growing up around her stepfather’s record label had a great influence on young Tifa who knew then that music was what she wanted to do. The past student of Wolmer’s High School for Girls says she has overcome many obstacles and defied detractors who told her she wasn’t ‘right’ for the industry. Strengthened by her passion for music, Tifa persevered and continues to prove the doubters wrong. “Especially with my legs, my mother and my family always encouraged me. Everything I wanted to do I was encouraged to do, so I was a part of the choir, I was a part of Wolmer’s dance troupe and drama club. I’ve always been doing the performing arts,” she says. Teen Spirit
7
follow your passion
Tifa, who toured with performing arts group Ashe for six years, advises teens to never compromise their values. “Don’t sell out yourself. Mi neva come and say mi foot ben’ and mi a go try walk straight…Now I live to see girls actually wanting to walk like me. Stay true to you and be loyal to yourself.” The Jamaican music industry is not always easy and Tifa admits to feeling some frustration sometimes, citing the lack of unity and the glass ceiling that still exist for female artistes. “A female can buss di place but you never hear a female a run di place like how a man run di place. Don’t get me wrong, you can mek it as a woman, but there are other hurdles [that males don’t necessarily face]. Other than that, I’m happy to be doing what I’m doing.” Voted young, hot and hype female of the year at the recent Youth View Awards, Tifa copped six awards and continues to please her throng of young fans, who love her sense of style and down-to-earth manner. “I know that’s my demographic, especially the teens. They have somebody to look up to because that’s the most awkward time in your life. I think people gravitate towards me and my style because what you see is what you get. No put on nuh deh deh,” she says. The talented artiste is currently working on her debut album, which is expected to be released this summer. It is aimed at reaching a wide cross section of music lovers and will also appeal to Tifa’s hardcore fans. “The album is called Tifa, T-I-F-A. The acronym is ‘this is for anyone’, so it’s not only for dancehall fans; it’s something that everybody can listen. I’m putting a lot of energy and time into it because I want it to be a classic. I don’t just want it to be an album of pre-releases,” she says. In her downtime, you can find her on the beach or on a rollercoaster in Florida. “When I’m not in studio, I’m at home in my bed. I love my bed, it’s my most favourite purchase of all the things I’ve ever purchased in this life,” she laughs. “I still dance…I love going to the beach. I love travelling. I love shopping – I’m a girl. I love amusement parks. I’m a very adventurous girl.”
avitate r g e l p peo tyle s y “I think m d n s me a toward what you see is h because t. No put on nu u ge what yo deh deh.”
And what motives this young artiste? Life. “Just being alive and being able to do the things that I’m doing now. I mean, you’ll have your rough days, but when you look back… I’ve accomplished so much in five years. I’m the first female dancehall or reggae artiste to ever perform in the Czech Republic. That’s big, so things like that motivate me,” she says. “My dream is just to be happy, successful and [to make] my family and the few friends that I have around me comfortable.” www.ezineslimited.com
Teen Spirit
8
Tifa’s take on love
adviceeno relationip h s n io t la e r s Tifa’ feel mi equipped fi giv n it comes to
lly d whe “Mi nuh rea m very weir I’ … ing else, s] h g u a [l e with anyth ik L . lf ship advice e rs u o a front or s, but be y you put up se n se relationship o n , when It doh mek you for you e v lo n a c be yourself. y d burp hen somebo eyelash, you W e ls r. e fa v d te n a a h w hair I mean off you false you for that… mee v lo you can tek ill st n a you and so and him c and it smell hen you are w , g in th st elf.” ate Just be yours that’s the gre . u o y r fo u ve yo body can lo
r her o f s g n o s e v lo Tifamon writing o, ‘cause ngs on it als so e v albu lo o what one and tw n only sing g ngs. I ca “I’ll be doin oing love so d r n in love to fo n w o er truly bee v e I’m not kn e v I’ k in lled love I don’t th one a so-ca d r e v I know and e n e v truth, so I’ tell you the that.” working on song, so I’m
www.ezineslimited.com
Teen Spirit
9
Fashion Looking good for less
Valentine’s date - Black and white V-neck two-piece illusion Red Ox shirt matched perfectly with black Ed Factor bootcut fitted jeans and white Red Ox shoes with black underline.
by Dervin Osbourne
There are many fashionistas who share the belief that to look good you have to pay a hefty price. I’ve been around girls who talk about buying $4000 slippers and guys who paid $7000 for a blazer. Sadly, that guy is me. The truth is, looking good doesn’t have to break the bank. To prove this, Teen Spirit eZine ventured out to see if it was possible to find different outfits on a budget of $5000. Here’s what we found.
Award show - Rawwear blazer plus a simple white tee is all that’s needed. Pair that with white Red Ox fitted jeans and a pair of Creative Recreation shoes. #PRICETAG $5000
#PRICETAG $4650 Shirt - $1600
Jeans- $1800
Shoes - $2500 (50% discount)
Beach party - A striped V-neck shirt, white cargo shorts and Vans-like La Wear shoes to complete the look. #PRICETAG $4975
Jacket-$2500 Shirt - $600 White jeans - $1500
Shoes - $2000 (50% discount)
www.ezineslimited.com
Shirt- $975 Pants- $1800 Shoes- 2500 (50% discount)
Model: Osama Clothes courtesy of: Twin City Superstore 62-64 King Street Downtown, Kingston Tel: 948-6387 Teen Spirit
10
Fashion
Our Everyday Style with Laurie-Ann Chin by Ava Gardner Photos by Warren Buckle
M
eet Laurie-Ann Chin, a 19-year-old student of the University of the West Indies who has decided to take Teen Spirit eZine into her closet. Laurie-Ann is of Portuguese, Indian, African and Chinese descent, which she says has a bit of influence on her style and her love for tribal print clothing. Blogs and magazine also inspire her style. Her favourite trend right now is male-inspired clothing - the boyfriend look. She thinks it’s sexy without having to wear tight clothes. Her all time favourite articles of clothing, however, are shoes. Laurie-Ann is very much in love with her colourblock platform pumps and hates ill-fitting clothing. Her fashion tips for teens are to experiment, don’t be afraid and be different. However, she advises them to still use their discretion and that the clothes they wear should be age, body type and event appropriate.
www.ezineslimited.com
Teen Spirit
t n e r e ff i d e b ... d i a r f a e b t ’ don
www.ezineslimited.com
Teen Spirit
12
Valentine’s Day
15
Top Cheesiest Love Songs ever L
ove is in the air! Today is Valentine’s Day and we’re pretty sure you’ve been hearing a million and one ‘love songs’ since the day started. Some we love, others not so much, but regardless of how you might feel about these songs, you can’t deny the fact that they hit the right spot when this oncea-year event comes around. However, have you ever heard a song that signals instant ‘cheese’? You know, over-the-top lyrics that make you feel queasy, which is not necessarily a bad thing. We asked our Twitter followers to tell us their top 15 cheesiest love songs of all time. Here’s the list:
Kiss Me - Sixpence None the Richer Kiss Me Thru The Phone- Soljah Boy Grenade - Bruno Mars I Knew I Loved You - Savage Garden www.ezineslimited.com
Everything I do (I Do it for You) - Bryan Adams I Honestly Love You - Olivia Newton John How Am I Supposed to Live Without You - Michael Bolton If You’re Not the One - Daniel Bedingfield Hello - Lionel Richie Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler How Do I Live - LeAnn Rimes Lady in Red - Chris de Burgh I Want it That Way - Backstreet Boys The One That You Love - Air Supply I’d Rather - Luther Vandross
Do you agree with our list? Have your own suggestions? Email: teenspirit@joinemedia.com and follow us on Twitter @TeenSpiriteZine Teen Spirit
13
Black history
FIvE NOTAbLE YOuNg JAmAICANS by Micheal Farquharson
E
ver so often, Jamaicans produce moments of sheer brilliance, moments in which we have to just stop and look back at our achievements as a nation. Then there are some of us that just take that ability to achieve and that penchant for greatness and make it our own. The amazing thing is that these are young people, who tweens, teens and young adults can look up to and proudly say, “I want to be like that when I grow up.”
Veronica Campbell-Brown
usain bolt Dr. the Honourable Usain St. Leo Bolt OJ, CD first came to serious prominence in the track and field world after collecting his very first medal in the CARIFTA Games of 2000, where he ran a more than respectable 48.28 seconds in the 400 metres. Stepping down to the 100 metres, Bolt ran a world record 9.72 seconds in May 2008. He proceeded to beat his own record twice, at the Beijing Olympics with 9.69 seconds and then at the 2009 World Championships, where he ran 9.58 seconds, a feat that seems for the moment only matched by the man himself. He’s appeared on numerous international shows and in advertisements and in 2011, was named the most marketable sportsman on the planet by SportsPro magazine.
veronica Campbell-brown Where Usain Bolt took the world by storm in the men’s edition of the race, VCB as she is affectionately called, takes no prisoners on the women’s side of the track. She is one of the most decorated athletes in history, having won gold medals at every level of international competition. At 18, VCB ran in the 2000 Summer Olympics on the same 4x100 metres relay team with noticeable names like Merlene Ottey, Tanya Lawrence and Beverley McDonald, helping the team to the silver medal in 42.13 seconds. After missing out on qualifying for the 100 metres event at the Jamaican Olympic trials in 2008, she won the 200 metres race, setting a new personal record of 21.94s. At the 2011 World Championships, she beat US rival Alyson Felix to claim her first 200 metre World Championship gold medal. www.ezineslimited.com
Usain bolt
Teen Spirit
14
Barrington Irving jr. Samardo Samuels (left)
Lisa Hanna
barrington Irving jr. You’ve all seen the movie Around the World in 80 Days? Well, Barrington Irving was able to do that in a lot less time, creating ripples around the world as he progressed. He was born in Kingston on January 11, 1983, but migrated to Miami with his parents at age six. He was working in his parents’ bookstore one day when a pilot took an interest in him and eventually invited him on a tour of a Boeing 777 airliner cockpit. Irving had the dream of flying around the world and would not be denied. A plane called the Inspiration was built from donated parts, and in 2007, Irving left Miami on the 23rd of March, making various stops in Europe and Asia, before returning to Miami in the 27th of June.
Samardo Samuels A young man with bold dreams, Samardo Samuels is not to be taken lightly. Well, not that you could. This 6’ 9”, 260-pound power forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers is intent on leaving his own mark in the NBA fraternity. He attended St. Benedict’s Preparatory, a private high school in Newark, New Jersey, where here he was rated as much as 2nd in the United States as a basketball player. He played for the Chicago Bulls in a Summer League in 2010, and was eventually signed to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a three-year, US$2.3 million contract. Samuels made his debut against the San Antonio Spurs coming on as a substitute for Antawn Jamison, scoring 23 points and pulling 10 rebounds, thus making his presence felt on the court. Could this young man be the next Michael Jordan or Shaquille O’neil? Only time will tell.
Lisa Hanna Who says models are empty shells? Hanna can safely refute that fact. She was the 3rd Jamaican ever to hold a Miss World title after she claimed the top spot in 1993. This would see her promoted to greater heights, with her own talk show, co-hosting the series Our Voices on CVM, and as a guest presenter on the American pop culture show Xtra. Hanna seems to have reached the pinnacle of her success after earning a seat in the Jamaican Parliament, and now after the change in government, is the current Minister of Youth and Culture. www.ezineslimited.com
Teen Spirit
15
Book Review
Five things I’ve learned from SpIrIT bOuNd
AuTHOr: rICHELLE mEAd by Alana Gardner
S
pirit Bound by Richelle Mead puts its own unique spin to the vampire myth and carried readers on an unforgettable journey. The novel is the fifth installment to the Vampire Academy series. In this installment, after a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation time and the girls can’t wait for their real lives beyond the Academy’s iron gates to begin. But Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri and he’s out there, somewhere. She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won’t join him, he won’t rest until he’s silenced her...forever. Now whether or not you’re pro-vampire or anti-vampire, this novel carries more than just the myth. It also has the familiarity of being a teenager in a world that expects great things from you and teaches you things that you might need to make it through.
HErE ArE FIvE THINgS I’vE LEArNEd: t 5P CF QSPVE CVU IVNCMFE CZ ZPVS BDIJFWFNFOUT :PV TIPVME always be pleased by your achievements but you shouldn’t let your happiness turn into arrogance. Rose had already succeeded in fulfilling the duties of a guardian, but she had yet to receive the official title. When she did, she took the accomplishment in stride and humbled herself. t 'PSHFU UIF QBTU BOE NPWF GPSXBSE 4PNFUJNFT QFPQMF UIBU you love hurt you, but you have to move past it and forgive them. Rose had issues with both her parents growing up, but she learned to forgive and forget the past.
better to let go and try to move on. Rose loves Dimitri but he has changed. Even though she still loves him, she has tried to move on. t #F XIP ZPV BSF NFBOU UP CF 8F BSF BMM NFBOU GPS HSFBUOFTT but greatness comes in many forms and although we may not want to accept it at first, we must take responsibility for the things we cannot change. Lissa tried desperately to run from her responsibility, but soon learned that she could not outrun her destiny. t 'BDF ZPVS GFBS TP UIBU ZPV DBO BDDPNQMJTI HSFBU UIJOHT Sometimes to accomplish great things we have to do things we fear most. Rose found a way to save Dimitri despite her fears, overcoming them to bring him back to her.
t 5P MFU HP PG B MPTU MPWF BOE USZ UP NPWF PO -PWF JT VOQSFEJDUable and sometimes no matter how much you love someone there is an obstacle standing in your way, and sometimes it’s
www.ezineslimited.com
Teen Spirit
16
happy anniversary
bEHINd THE SCENES wITH THE TEAm
T
een Spirit eZine is celebrating our one year anniversary! Here are some behind the scenes photos with some of our team from 2011.
www.ezineslimited.com
Teen Spirit
17
Š 2011 eZines Limited. All Rights Reserved