EDITOR’S WELCOME Ten months ago, when we first decided to collaborate on MUZE Caribbean magazine, we never would have imagined it would be this demanding on both a personal and professional level. With healthy helpings of Murphy’s Law, disappointments, plenty of blood, sweat and tears, producing this publication has been a dizzying learning and evolutionary experience. An experience that despite the rip tides we have been thrown into, we certainly do not regret; it truly has been a rewarding journey to this point. We thank you, our readers, for continuing to support us and do hope you remain on board as we strive in every issue of this publication to inspire you. In this issue, we explore the melancholy of summer and to quote Lana del Rey at the risk of being terribly cliché, we examine summertime sadness in our main photo editorial, Cruel Summer. For this we collaborated with talented Barbadian designer Katrina Brathwaite and her design house, The TriCollection, crafting an exclusive, beautiful capsule collection for the magazine. Unfortunately, these pieces will not be available outside of the pages of this issue. Without further ado, we do hope that you enjoy the content we’ve curated for this our sophomore effort, and that you will be inspired and captivated with every turn of the page. Again, thank you for reading!
Credits: Models – Deandra Frederick Make-up – I Heart Make-up Hair – Crystal Jemmott Gold chains and golden triangle ring by Metallic Boutique, quadruplet ring by Pulze. Gold face chain by J’Nelle of The TriCollection
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OURTEAM
Luke Lascaris - Publisher Paramount/Photomancer Supreme Lennon Chandler - Visionaire/Chief Wordsmith Katrina Brathwaite of the TriCollection - Main Fashion Contributor Rawlston Williams - Epicurean Contributor Mark Eastman of Dappered by Mark Eastman - Fashion Contributor Ify Ogbue - Contributing Writer Justin Newton - Photography Assistant Barry Prescod - Photography Assistant/Digital Retoucher Shamar Hinkson - Digital Editor Kareem Howard - Styling and Set Assistant Janelle Branch - Styling Assistant IDZN - GRAPHIC DESIGN AND LAYOUT
THANKYOU We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the following persons and businesses for their contributions in making this issue a success: Kamilah Codrington and Shanelle Estwick of I Heart Make-Up, Crystal Jemmott, Sarita Jackman, R. Graham Edwards and GADAL Model Management Inc., Chereda Grannum, Stefan and Catherine Teichert of Harley-Davidson of the West Indies, Jaye Applewhite, Ria Carrington, Janelle Edwards, Topher Bourne, Justin Lucas, Jabari Clarke, Kodi Lewis of the Barbados Dream Cup, Kevin Jemmott, Dr. Anton Best, Platinum Hair Extensions, Karl Branch, Tre Griffith, Paul Hoyte, Gabriel Gunby and Lucinda Robinson. We would also like to thank our advertisers for having faith in our vision and who have supported us in this, our sophomore effort. For our returning partners, we thank you for your continued faith in the MUZE Caribbean project and for our new partners, we look forward to building a stronger and truly beneficial relationship with you going forward. For more from MUZE Caribbean, please follow us on our social media and view our digital editions. Facebook
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Looking DAPPER.
Once relegated to the realm of geek chic, the beloved bow tie makes a colourful and distinctly Caribbean resurgence by way of Trinidadian designer, Mark Eastman. His island inspired pieces, part of his Dappered by Mark Eastman collection, are truly eye candy. Here are some of our favourites shot in and around the historic city of Bridgetown. Credits: Model – Matthew St. Bernard, Bow ties from The City Series "The 9 to 5"
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Credits: Model – Matthew St. Bernard, Bow ties from The City Series "The 8 to 4"
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Credits: Model – Matthew St. Bernard, Bow ties from The City Series Botanical Gardens Top Left – Port-of-Spain Market
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NOELLE SCAGGS OF FITZ & THE TANTRUMS After a two year sabbatical from music, a chance phone call forever changed the artistic trajectory of this talented singer-songwriter. MUZE Caribbean recently had the chance to chat with the beautiful Noelle Scaggs of the Billboard chart-topping band, Fitz & The Tantrums on her career, her inspirations and life after joining the band.
“The legend is true!” Noelle exclaims in response to whether her involvement with Fitz & The Tantrums really did begin with a simple phone call from the band’s frontman, Michael Fitzpatrick. “When I received the call from Fitz about sitting in with him on backup vocals for his first show, I was into the idea, because it was an area of performance I had never done before…I was normally the lead singer“ she continues, recounting how she returned to the stage and touring alongside the other five members of the band and quite aptly, the rest is history. In case you’re unfamiliar, Fitz & The Tantrums is an American indie pop band comprising six members, of which Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle are the vocalists. The band’s second album, More Than Just A Dream released in 2013 has gone on to spawn two chart-topping Billboard Alternative hits, Out of My League and The Walker. “It's been a very unexpected surprise…we love the fact that people are enjoying what we were able to create with More Than Just a Dream…we couldn’t be happier!” Scaggs commented relative to the success that the band has garnered on its sophomore effort, a journey that when she accepted the invitation to join the musical collective she could never have
#MUZINGS NOELLE SCAGGS OF FITZ & THE TANTRUMS Words by Ify Ogbue and Lennon Chandler
imagined, or simply never thought of. “I don't think I really thought about it all, especially whether or not our success would lead us where we are right now. We are very excited” she adds, noting that from day one there had always been something special, a chemistry of sorts amongst the six members of the band that made creating the music they’ve crafted so far all that easier and more enjoyable. Noelle, however, was no stranger to music, having been the lead singer in other musical projects prior to the Tantrums. Having been part of a soul septet called The Rebirth for a decade, she had amassed quite a bit of experience in performing and touring, having worked alongside top hip-hop acts such as The Black Eyed Peas, The Dilated Peoples and Damian Marley to name a few. She also had quite a bit of experience in songwriting, having assisted in penning choruses for some of these artists; when asked, Noelle reveals that in short “life” is her primary source of inspiration as a songwriter, adding that “music is such an emotional thing, that I feel the more freedom you allow yourself to have when creating, the faster the ideas come into fruition.” As of late, she’s been drawing inspiration from heartbreak, human interaction and emotions and travelling; “just let me know when
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you want to send the ticket” she jokes when we quiz if she’s ever visited our island, Barbados. In an age when top 40 radio is dominated by electronic dance music, we asked Noelle just how difficult it was for the band to breakthrough “I think because our focus was on bringing back music that wasn't reliant upon that type of production, we were able to really bring in our own audience, and attract listeners that wanted something new and fresh…that has allowed us to cut through to what's being heard on a regular“, but she’s quick to clarify that she still adores a good dance track, admiring the work that deejays and remixers do on the band’s songs, showcasing their music to an audience who would not have heard of them otherwise. With this type of success one can expect a certain level of fame, of which Noelle has been receiving an increase of since the success of their last record. “I have my moments of celebrity sighting experiences, I guess you would call it that? I don't think I get recognized as much as Fitz does, I tend to move like a ninja haha!” Asked about the future and the artistic evolution of the band, Scaggs is unsure of how to answer, explaining that she and her band mates are still very much so absorbing the incredible journey
they’ve been on thus far. “There are so many amazing places to take the new album when we decide we are ready for the next LP, but for now I think our focus is on elevating even more artistically through all of our upcoming summer concerts”. Whatever direction the band takes from here, it’s quite clear that Fitz & The Tantrums are a unique voice in the modern soundscape of pop radio and we are definitely looking forward to more amazing tunes from them.
1. Noelle draws inspiration from singers like the late Teena Marie and Sharon Jones. 2. Starting as a poem, Last Raindrop is the track that holds a very special and emotional place in Noelle’s heart.
Ice-cold cocktails, long lazy beach days and sun kissed skin; these are all images that typically come to mind when one thinks of summer, however, the season of sun worship can also be a very dark space. A freshman generation of degenerate beauty queens and rebels without cause oft-times are ensnared in a languor induced by broken dreams, hearts and promises; a romantic tragedy set to the tune of misguided love and lustful, reckless abandon, this is Cruel Summer.
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Credits: Models (L-R) – Christopher Murrell and Darian Chandler of GADAL Model Management Make-up – I Heart Make-up Gold chains by Metallic Boutique, golden rose head crown by Jazz Applewhite Designs
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Credits: Models – Darian Chandler of GADAL Model Management, Deandra Frederick Make-up – I Heart Make-up Hair- Crystal Jemmott Shoes provided by Pulze Bike provided by Harley-Davidson of the West Indies
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Credits: Model – Erika Cadogan Make-up – I Heart Make-up Hair – Crystal Jemmott Bangles – Metallic Boutique and Pulze, body chain by Pulze, lace sex kitten ears by J’Nelle of The TriCollection Bike provided by Harley-Davidson of the West Indies
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#AmuzeBOUCHE Braised oxtails, by epicurean contributor Rawlston Williams of The Food Sermon, NYC
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There are few ingredients that can comfortably claim the title of being truly pan-Caribbean; of those the mighty oxtail is one of the most notable. From Jamaica in the west to Guyana in the south, the hindermost part of the cow finds itself more often than not in flavorful stews and soups that evoke the spirit of Caribbean cooking in every forkful. Guest epicurean contributor, Rawlston Williams of The Food Sermon in NYC is no stranger to West Indian flavours, having been born and raised in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Here he lends an elevated and elegant touch to the Caribbean’s favourite part of the cow, perfect for a sumptuous Sunday supper during the summer.
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WHAT YOU’LL NEED… Visit your local market and pick out some fresh oxtails. Season them with fresh garlic, onions, cloves, all spice (powdered), mace (use nutmeg as an alternative), salt and pepper. Cover the oxtails with red wine, adding rough chopped carrots, celery and chadon beni (a Trinidadian staple) to the mix. Allow this to marinate a minimum of four hours – overnight is best!
TO THE MEAT OF THE MATTER… Strain the wine from the marinating mixture. Separate your vegetables from the meat. In a pot, reduce the wine by half. Heat a separate pan for the oxtails. While that is heating, coat the oxtails with flour. Lay each tail, with enough space between each piece to avoid sweating of the meat; maintain a medium heat under the pan. When browned on all sides, remove the oxtails and resist the urge to bite into them at this stage, you’re not done yet! Place the vegetables to the hot pan and sauté on a medium heat for ten minutes. Return the oxtails to the pan and then add the reduced wine and water to cover the oxtails. Place the entire pan (ensure its oven safe) in an oven heated at 250 degrees Farenheit and cook for four to six hours. Remove the oxtails and reduce the braising liquid, adding butter and season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss the tails back in and serve as desired. We suggest some steamed jasmine or basmati rice to accompany this dish. Dish is shown garnished with pea shoots. Bon appetit!
#SHEENA ROSE
Once upon a time there was a young, awkward flower who desperately sought to break through the concrete of the tormenting world around her, seeking a space to be herself. This is the story of that blossom, the inimitable Sheena Rose. Credits: Make-up: Sarita Jackman
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From the moment she appeared on set for her photo shoot, we knew that our interview with the very talented, young Barbadian artist, Sheena Rose, would be completely different to any other we had conducted before. Best described as an effervescing ball of energy, Sheena is at once animated, personable and hilarious but very much so humble and distinctly aware of the long journey she has endured to get to this emotional place in her life. “As a child, I had low self-esteem, I didn’t expect to get back any CXCs, I had no expectations” Sheena explained about her early struggles with her identity and self-worth, a battle further fueled by persons around her that should have encouraged her, including one secondary school teacher who quipped “See you next year” in respect of her achieving any success in her school leaving examinations. Schoolmates weren’t any less cruel, calling her “slow”, “retarded”, “dumb” and mocking a lisp that has now since vanished. Cue the sad violin theme? Not so fast. Sheena Rose is not defeatist and speaks of her struggle with poor self-esteem with a refreshing honesty that makes her infinitely more endearing. With the encouragement of her best friend, Joanna Greene, Sheena pushed through and achieved success in her examinations, earning the grades necessary to enter the Barbados Community College, where her journey with art would begin in earnest. “I would have been content working anywhere” she recalls, a sentiment that underscored her initial reluctance of pursuing an Associate Degree program at the institution. She had quietly resigned to lead an average, unremarkable life. Embracing her artistic talents undoubtedly helped to develop her not only professionally, but personally. From comic books drawn at school, depicting the drama of everyday home situations to one of her first truly controversial art pieces, Sheena channeled her individuality masterfully through her work. The latter piece found Rose nude and adorned with a penis, instead of the usual female appendage…it apparently was so controversial, some viewers suggested she seek Jesus – this kind of reaction was welcomed and would stimulate her creative nature even more. Some of her most notable work includes the series, “Downtown”, where Rose would paint intricate
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pieces depicting the downtown areas of some of the world’s major cities, inclusive of Bridgetown, Cape Town and New York City. Facilitated by proceeds made from nude modeling (that topic in itself deserves a dedicated interview), Sheena was able to travel to these cities to execute the pieces, but the genesis of the series was a far lonelier motivation. Having been a loner throughout school life, Sheena would often long to partake in the usual Bajan
tradition of going downtown with friends on Saturday; however, she had no close friends and would make the solitary sojourn to Bridgetown weekly. There she would study the interactions of those around her, the city streets and window-shop. A desire to avoid the standard interview question of “Where do you see yourself in five years…” was futile for all involved, as we were curious what path this brilliant talent possibly had laid out for herself. “Books, museums, in the art market where my pieces would sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars” she responded, smiling brightly at the prospect of having a real career in art, something that isn’t the norm in our society whatsoever. In the midst of all we shared in our hour-long conversation, Sheena’s story hit home. I too had
been awkward and felt very much so different around my contemporaries at high school, turning similarly to illustrating comic books, though mine were less edifying I’m sure; my final question to her as the sun disappeared over Carlisle Bay where we were sat, talking like old friends, was what advice would she give a young boy/girl who faced these challenges today to reassure them. Her answer was just as refreshing and frank as her entire interview had been thus far…”I would leave them alone”. For fear of somehow interfering in the natural process of growth and development needed to become truly a lover of oneself and of one’s talents, she would simply encourage them to be comfortable in themselves, fully accepting of who they are. “Be happy in you”.
Be happy in you
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TENNIS GUYS tennis therefore was not my strong suit. Luckily for Barbados the same doesn’t hold true with these five young men who are on steady course to rewrite the history books for the sport locally and internationally. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Barbados Davis Cup Team.
From L-R: Kevin Yarde, Russell Moseley, Haydn Lewis and Seanon Williams
“I’m probably going to smile in all these shots” Russell declared as I tried my level best to transform these five tennis players into soot covered, battle hardened, racquet wielding warriors for our Sunday morning shoot. The friendly and down-to-earth personalities of these four guys belies the immensity of their very recent historic achievement – advancing Barbados to Group 2 in the Davis Cup tournament, making it the only Caribbean nation within that grouping. “For a small country to best Chile, it was a great achievement”, team member Darian King commented on the upset which was extensively covered in the tennis world, as the proverbial David (Barbados) took down Goliath, Chile, one of the world’s top tennis playing nations. Comprising Kevin Yarde (captain), Haydn Lewis, Darian King, Russell Moseley and Seanon Williams, the Barbados Davis Cup team all
on your make-up for the shoot?” Kevin jokingly chastised Seanon who was busy putting on his tennis gear for the shoot; “Seanon is Mr. Smooth” adds Darian who unfortunately was away at the time of our shoot, a consensus shared by all of the teammates – he is the divo. Darian has also been unanimously voted the messiest of the lot, a dubious title he accepts himself, while Haydn is branded the leader and Russell, the jovial one. One point of contention for the rising tennis stars? Barbados’ seeming lack of serious investment and development of the game. “Tennis is probably the most underrated sport in Barbados. Not many get to see and by extension appreciate the professionalism of us tennis players as athletes, or as a Davis Cup team specifically, because of that the financial push behind the sport is a struggle” Seanon laments, but he along with his teammates are still hopeful that their monumental win will stir up much needed investor interest and help them to be
"Seanon is Mr. Smooth" agree they have one immediate goal on their minds; advancing to the Group 1 tier when they face off with Mexico in September, 2014. A win over the Central American team will mean the first time Barbados would ascend to that level in the sport in its entire history, but no pressure! It was a proud moment for us to be able to sit for an hour or so and capture a glimpse of the team dynamic of this group of young men, who could possibly rewrite the history books for sporting in Barbados within a few weeks. They were like a band of brothers quipping back and forth and sharing loads of friendly ribbing. “You putting
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further developed as professional athletes. Tennis greats such as Edgberg, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Wawrinka and Agassi all feature as inspirations for the individual members of the squad, with Haydn adding in Kournikova (we’re sure for other reasons) to the list. We at MUZE Caribbean fully anticipate that once they advance to Group 1 in their upcoming September face-off, right here in Barbados, that they, much like these luminaries gone before them, will inspire a generation of young tennis players in Barbados and across the region.
#EMMAH
Credits: Make-up: I Heart Make-up Layered pearl necklace by Bath, Body and Home Barbados, white crop top by The TriCollection (see digital version for full look)
WORTH THE RISK
EMMAH
Words: Lennon Chandler
From the moment she could first speak, she was singing. Barbadian songbird, Emmah, is in love with music and is bent on pouring her heart, soul and talents into her art; for her, it’s worth the risk.
“I can’t explain to you how much writing my own songs has kept me sane”. At twenty years old, Emmah is passionate about her craft in a way that contradicts her youthfulness. Having turned to songwriting as a form of therapy and an outlet from a young age, she emphatically states, “I need to feel what I’m singing”. It’s no wonder she cites the passion, fearlessness and poetry of artists like Bryan Adams, Guns ‘N’ Roses and the tragic Amy Winehouse as major influences, crediting their approach to their art (songwriting) as a great inspiration to her as a young singer/songwriter. “She knew so much sadness and could make it into a hit song” Emmah adds, lamenting that the late Winehouse would have been her ideal collaboration had she survived, “she was not afraid to sing from her darkest places”.
WHAT’S NEXT…? If it’s anything to go by, Emmah’s stellar debut single, “Worth the Risk” is definitely a strong step in the right direction for the Barbadian chanteuse. “It was produced by Barry Hill of Cover Drive. Barry is my musical partner in crime,” she explains of the pair’s collaborations, which spawn a mother lode of songs at a time; it’s a process that she is unfamiliar with but definitely excited to experience. Born of one of these sessions is her next single, due out after the Crop-Over season. “We are working towards an EP right now and it’s definitely one of my favourites…but I don’t really want to give too much away” she teases.
WHO IS EMMAH? It’s clear that Emmah is not content on being a Bajan bubblegum pop sensation, whose artistry is largely puppeteered around her. “People can feel free to categorize me as they wish,” she states, expressing her dislike for the labels and boxes artists can often find themselves in, much to their detriment; “I’m a singer/songwriter, that’s how I describe myself and my music…I want to be recognized as that”.
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FOR MORE ON OUR FEATURED ARTIST, EMMAH, GO FOLLOW HER ON... @itzemmah
Emmah
@itzemmah
Emmah