SLEEK January 2013 by SLEEK Jamaica

JANUARY JANUARY2013 2013 ISSUE ISSUE

2012’S 2012’S

WTFS WTFS LET’S LET’SBE BE RESOLUTE RESOLUTE SWANKING SWANKING WITH WITH BENJAI BENJAI

FR EE FREE CO PY COPY

GABRIELLE GABRIELLE

DAVIS DAVIS PULSE PULSEMODEL MODEL

facebook: facebook:SLEEKjamaica SLEEKjamaica twitter: twitter:@BESLEEKJA @BESLEEKJA

SLEEK SLEEK TEAM TEAM C.E.O. C.E.O. Andrew AndrewBellamy Bellamy EDITOR EDITOR Hasani HasaniWalters Walters DESIGN DESIGNDIRECTOR DIRECTOR Daniel DanielFord Ford CONTENT CONTENTEDITOR EDITOR Staci StaciSmith Smith COVER COVERPHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER Andrew AndrewBellamy Bellamy PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHYBY BY Brian BrianBellamy Bellamy Staci Smith Staci Smith Ian IanBourne Bourne DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTIONBY BY Nikolai NikolaiMurray Murray Brian BrianBellamy Bellamy

CONTENTS CONTENTS

2.2.SLEEK SLEEKWelcome Welcome 3.3.2012’S 2012’SWTF WTF 6-7. 6-7.Let’s Let’sBe BeResolute Resolute 10-11. 10-11.Gabrielle GabrielleDavis Davis 14. 14.Financially FinanciallyPositive Positive 18. 18.Vintage VintageNew NewYear Year 22. 22.Gotta GottaMake MakeaaTruck TruckStop Stop 27. 27.Live LiveMusic MusicLives Lives 28. 28.Swanking SwankingWith WithBenjai Benjai Scan Scan&& like likeour ourpage page

MAKEUP MAKEUPBY BY Renee ReneeGauntlett Gauntlett FOR FORADVERTISING ADVERTISING besleekja@gmail.com besleekja@gmail.com GABBY’S GABBY’SOUTFIT OUTFITPROVIDED PROVIDEDBY BY SHHH SHHHBoutique Boutique 9-11 9-11Phoenix PhoenixAve, Ave, Kingston, Kingston,Jamaica Jamaica

SLEEK SLEEKmonthly monthlyisis published publishedby byCREATIVE CREATIVE FACTORY. FACTORY.To Toobtain obtainaacopy copy contact contactus usat: at:876-277-4258 876-277-4258, , email:besleekja@gmail.com email:besleekja@gmail.com

Welcome

2kSleek H

appy New Year everyone! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and you’re ready to face the new year and all its challenges. 2013 has been designated the SLEEK Year. This is the year we celebrate our 1st anniversary, and we have tons of great content coming your way in the upcoming months. While I’m not the biggest resolution person, I am a goal-oriented person. Last year, the goal of launching SLEEK weekly was envisioned. And guess what? We did it! We then transcended into SLEEK monthly. Our Facebook page has evolved to become a fan favourite reaching 14 parishes and even a few international zip codes. However, it hasn’t been an easy road and surprises are still being thrown our way. But it’s been m o r e t h a n

worth it putting the hours into each edition of SLEEK magazine. It’s always been my belief that being SLEEK is a lifestyle – which is why SLEEK magazine came to be in the first place. So in 2013 the goal is fairly simple. We want to be even better at connecting with readers and their lifestyles. What’s the catch? We need your help. Feel free to reach out and let us know what it is you want to see, wish you knew more about, and anything else you wish to share. With all that said…it turns out my goal is not so simple. Please stay in touch with SLEEK via Twitter, Facebook, and email and we’ll try our best to respond to everyone personally. It’s our hope for all of you that you have a prosperous and SLEEK 2013! We look forward to experiencing this year together, and wish you much success!

Best Regards, CEO - Andrew Bellamy

2012'S 2012'SWTF WTF AAyah yahsuh suhmice! mice!The Thestudent studentrats ratsat atCalabar Calabarcame cameout outtoto play, play,and andplay playthey theydid! did!They Theywere wereininthe thetrees, trees,ininthe thestaffstaffroom roomand andeven evenininthe theclassroom classroomteaching. teaching.Imagine ImaginePhysics Physics class classwith withProfessor ProfessorRattigan! Rattigan!

One Onelil’lil’McGregor McGregorcoming comingright rightup! up!Yendi YendiPhillipps Phillipps and andChino’s Chino’sgreat greatrevelation revelationtotothe thenation nationwas wasthe the talk of the town, shock of the town, whatever talk of the town, shock of the town, whateveryou you want to call it. A match made in heaven? Nah! want to call it. A match made in heaven? Nah!

Whale? Whale?Shark? Shark?Snapper? Snapper?Shrimp? Shrimp?I Iam am no nofish fishininhere! here!Parliament Parliamentwent wentberserk berserk when the ‘fish’ hullabaloo between when the ‘fish’ hullabaloo between Kingfish Kingfishand andSprat Sprattook tookcentrestage. centrestage.

Hello Helloworld! world!Regardless Regardlessofofyour your sexual sexualpreference, preference,Beenie BeenieMan Man loves lovesand andrespects respectsyou. you.Don’t Don’t you youever everforget forgetthat thatguys. guys.The The Doctor will see all patients Doctor will see all patients now! now!

“A “Ami milove loveKartel Kartelthe themost!” most!” Popcaan Popcaandeclared declaredhis hisundying undying love for the Gaza boss love for the Gaza bossVybz Vybz Kartel after being involved in a Kartel after being involved in a catfight with Ryno at Sting. Now catfight with Ryno at Sting. Now that explains why Popcaan won that explains why Popcaan won Teachas Pet ahead of the other Teachas Pet ahead of the other ladies. ladies.

INNOVATION UPSIZED. NISSAN

VERSA

FIDELITY MOTORS

876.948.5409

www.nissanjamaica.com

LET’S BE RESOLUTE! WHAT’S WHAT’SYOUR YOURNEW NEWYEAR’S YEAR’SRESOLUTION? RESOLUTION?

CHRISTOPGER CHRISTOPGER MARTIN MARTIN

ENTERTAINER ENTERTAINER “My “MyNew NewYear’s Year’sresolution resolutionisis to tocontinue continueon onthe thepath pathof ofaa 2012 2012that thatwas wasvery verygood goodto tome. me. Continue working hard on Continue working hard onmy my craft, craft,pray praymore, more,have haveaacloser closer relationship relationshipwith withthe thefather fatherand and make makethe themost mostof ofeveryday everydayI Iget get with withmy my22lillilgirls!” girls!”

CHRIS CHRIS GAYLE GAYLE

WEST WESTINDIIES INDIIESCRICKETER CRICKETER “My “Mypersonal personalgoals goalsare areto toget get as asmany manycenturies centuriesfor forwest westinindies diesand andwin winmore moregames. games.Also Also to toput putaasmile smileon onsomeone’s someone’s face facewho whoisisless lessfortunate fortunatethan than I Iam. am.Give Giveback backininwhatever whatever way wayI Ican canfor for2013.” 2013.”

DAMION DAMION CRAWFORD CRAWFORD

MINISTER MINISTEROF OFSTATE STATE- ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT&&TOURISM TOURISM

“To “Toimprove improvethe thelives livesof of12 12 people. people.Try Tryto tomake makeititbetter better than thanififthey theynever nevermet metme.” me.”

FLOYD FLOYD GREEN GREEN

PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT,G2K G2K

Personal Personal- -“to “toensure ensurethat thatthere thereisis greater greatercommunication communicationwith withfamily familyand and friends.” friends.”Professional Professional- -“to “tosolidify solidifythe the creation creationof ofaarenowned renownedlegal legalpractice, practice, and andpolitically, politically,to towork workeven evenharder harder to toreshape reshapeour ourpolitical politicallandscape landscapeto to create createaaspace spacewhich whichattracts attractsyoung young people peopleto toplay playaasignificant significantrole roleininnation nation building.“ building.“

IAN IAN ‘ITY’ ‘ITY’ ELLIS ELLIS

COMEDIAN COMEDIAN “Well like most people I make “Well like most people I makeresolutions resolutions and andfight fightto tokeep keepthem. them.This Thisyear yearI I resolve resolveto tospend spendmore moretime timewith withfamily family and andhopefully hopefullyI’ll I’llwin winback backmy mywife wifefrom from her new love...Samsung Galaxy.” her new love...Samsung Galaxy.”

ALTON ALTON ‘FANCY ‘FANCY CAT’ CAT’ HARDWARE HARDWARE

COMEDIAN COMEDIAN “Nothing “Nothingmuch, much,just justto toenjoy enjoylife lifeand andto to add addto tomy mysuccess.” success.”

Presents Presents

NYE ABSINTHE NYE ABSINTHE Monday, December 31, Monday, December 31,2012 2012

Pics PicsProvided Providedby: by:

GABRIELLE DAVIS PULSE runnerMODEL up in Pulse Caribbean Model Search

With 2013 upon us, we sought to find an A+ SLEEK Beauty to just simply sit there and look exceptionally lovely for the lens. We found that person in Gabrielle Davis, runner-up in Pulse’s Caribbean Model Search 2012. Meet Gabby! SLEEK: Firstly, when/how did you start modeling? GABBY: I sparked an interest in modeling when I was about 16, I did my first “test” shoot with Brian Rosen. SLEEK: How did it feel to be placed that high in the Pulse Caribbean Model Search Competition? GABBY: To be placed second in Pulse Caribbean Model Search 2012 was an amazing feeling of accomplishment for me, I did my best. SLEEK: How did you prepare for the competition? GABBY: I trained for MONTHS before the competition. Diet, exercise and a great coach is how I prepared. SLEEK: Do you think it was worth what you had to go through? GABBY: It was definitely worth it. I learned a lot of new things and I have become more disciplined. Some days were hard and tiring but it was definitely worth it. It was a great experience. SLEEK: Describe your style and what influences it. GABBY: My style is inspired by my mood and also by style icons.

SLEEK: Who do you look up to in the modeling industry? GABBY: I look up to persons who have never given up in the modeling industry. Doors will open and doors will close. The only way to achieve what you really want and love is to never give up. SLEEK: What about fashion? What are your fashion favourites? GABBY: I love how fashion is always changing, love trying new things and new styles. I wouldn’t say I have a favourite I love it all LOL! SLEEK: Is modeling your first love or do you have other career paths? GABBY: Modeling is definitely a passion of mine. If I were to take a different career path it would be child psychology, I love children. SLEEK: Do you have a New Year’s resolution? GABBY: Actually, this year I don’t have a

New Year’s resolution come to think of it, but I’m going to try and cut down on junk food. SLEEK: Many females have challenges staying in shape. How do you manage to? GABBY: Staying in shape is definitely a challenge sometimes! Especially if you have a sweet tooth. All there is to do is diet and gym! And discipline of course. SLEEK: The attention you get from males must be plentiful. What’s the weirdest come on you’ve ever experienced? GABBY: A lot of weird come ons LOL! I can’t pin point one at the moment but there has been a few. SLEEK: What SLEEK advice would you give to males in trying to get a female’s attention? GABBY: Advice I would give a male trying to get a females attention? Hmmm! Always be yourself, a woman should always appreciate you for who you really are. Or make a nice gesture and buy her flowers, that always makes a girl smile.

Financially Positive in 2013

Saving money and becoming debtfree rank high in the goals set by persons at the beginning of a new year. There are those who pass the hurdle, however most will never achieve this, residing instead in the company of wishful thinkers. If you’re serious about saving money and getting out of debt, let SLEEK start you off in 2013 with some advice. It’s important that you get informed by reading books and articles, listening to radio programs, and attending workshops on financial management. Whatever you invest in education will eventually pay you back if you succeed. You should also maintain a record of your spending. The only way for you to get ahead is by reducing spending or increasing income. Additionally, it’s a smart move to budget for some flexibility as there will always be emergencies and expenses that just pop up. Occasions such as vacations, birthdays, and Christmas, all require a bit of money set aside. WORD TO THE WISE - Don’t resort to paying for Christmas in December. Save a little money for Christmas each month. A long-term plan is essential. Living financially positive will put you ahead. If you commit to positive changes each month, you’ll end up in a better position for 2014. When you arrive at the day when you are debt-free, you can breathe that sigh of relief/happiness for the many months or years of discipline. Stick with your plan, and surround yourself with friends who will influence you positively and who will inspire you to change.

If you’re not one of the many vintagewearers, you may be asking…why wouldn’t one want to present themselves in the smoothest, most chic outfits? In this day and age where newer is believed to be better, the fixation with vintage clothing, especially among the younger folks, may be baffling to some. Yes, it’s inexplicable that many people are choosing to wear out-of-date garb. But it’s hard not to realise that older styles have made epic returns in recent years. This shows that the buzzing fashion industry isn’t like that of technology or transportation – newer isn’t necessarily better. The style of clothing one wears is a significant form of self-expression and communication, and people who wear vintage clothing are doing just that. It’s a life fact that history repeats itself, and since fashion is recurring, there is always some style from the past that has been made new again, and there is a high chance you can find the original version of any ‘new’ style in a vintage piece. The trend will apparently continue to pop up all over 2013 in many forms among which include but are by no means limited to:

PUSSYCAT BOW BLOUSES BOLERO JACKETS FITTED SWEATERS PEPLUMS PLAID PRINT DECORATIVE SEQUINS

NIRVANA

SATURDAY, SATURDAY,DECEMBER DECEMBER29, 29,2012 2012

GOTTA HAVE A

Being from a family of entrepreneurs, Omar Shoucair has always been intrigued by the process of identifying market needs and developing concepts that fill such needs. Upon identifying an opportunity to bring an experiential eatery to the Jamaican market four years ago, the popular Truck Stop was developed. Shoucair is here to talk SLEEK Business. SLEEK: How would you measure your success? OMAR: I strongly believe that one of the best ways to measure the success of any business is to simply look at your customer’s experiences. We have always focused on providing our patrons with a unique and quality experience and we continue to get feedback that we are still successful in that regard. We have also seen the number of visitors to our restaurants continue to grow through word-ofmouth

advertising so that is always a great measure of success for us. SLEEK: Describe some of the challenges faced in getting to this point? OMAR: In a business that is always evolving, consistency becomes your greatest concern. We have worked hard to maintain the quality of the customer experience despite the evolution, and that has been key to our success. In our business, our suppliers also pose a challenge at times as they are vital to the quality of our final product. Over the years, we have learned how to manage our supplier base and the diversity of those suppliers so as to ensure we have a constant pipeline of quality inputs. SLEEK: What was the most difficult business decision you have had to make? OMAR: When we first started Truck Stop Jamaica, we got a lot of attractive proposals for themed nights. We made a decision to stick to our core concept of providing a relaxed atmosphere not exclusive to a certain type of customer. We’ve stuck to this format for 4 years and Truck Stop is still a place for anyone that wants to enjoy some good food in the company of their friends and family. We sometimes wondered if we missed an opportunity by not allowing ‘themed night’ or ‘events’ but in the end, we feel that we made the right choice as our customers can always count on what they will get from a Truck 13 Stop experience.

TWISTED TWISTED SPIRITZ SPIRITZ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

PULSE PULSEMODEL MODEL GABRIELLE GABRIELLEDAVIS DAVIS

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PEPPER PEPPER SEED SEED WITH WITH BOUNTY BOUNTY KILLA KILLA

WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER DECEMBER19, 19,2012 2012

EVE

‘Ladies ‘Ladies Rock’ Rock’

FRIDAY, FRIDAY,DECEMBER DECEMBER21, 21,2012 2012

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Live music lives. For a few years now, there has been a brewing ‘renaissance’ in the live music scene in Jamaica. With the presence of more entertainers, venues and events, increased interest is being directed in the path of this aspect of the music industry. Easily, names such as Romain Virgo, Protoje, Nomaddz, Chronixx, Tarrus Riley and Kabaka Pyramid come to mind as current favourites. But this list is nowhere near exhausted as the numbers continue to grow. Of course, accompanying this rise of entertainers, are bands which have also been seeing an increase in numbers compared to previous years. These bands play an equally important role in this ‘live music rebirth’. Blu Grass, Downstairs, Uprising Roots Band, Rootz Underground, C-Sharp, Di Blueprint Band and DubtonicKru are a few examples. In fact, Jamaica is the first country to win the Global Battle of the Bands competition twice in a row - DubtonicKru in 2011 and Di Blueprint Band in 2012. Events have also been organised that make room for - and some even make headline acts out of - hese entertainers. The entertainment value they offer seems to be excellent as people continually horde the venues. The heyday of live reggae is considered by many to have been during the latter half of the 1970s. Then, entertainers such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, Max Romeo, Horace Andy, Black Uhuru, Steel Pulse and Israel Vibration were on stage, a hiatus occurred, and a new crop of entertainers are being given a warm welcome.

SWANKING

With Benjai

Trinidadian entertainer Benjai was recently in Jamaica for a performance at the I LOVE SOCA Cooler Fete held at Hope Gardens on Boxing Day. Of course, SLEEK had to catch up with him for a 1 on 1 exclusive. SLEEK: How was this trip to Jamaica? BENJAI: This trip to Jamaica was the most exciting trip for me. I performed at a party called I LOVE SOCA. I’ve come Jamaica many times before with Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin, and this most recent trip to Jamaica, is the swankiest I ever had. I ain’t going lie, it’s the best.

SLEEK: What was the most pleasant experience of the trip? BENJAI: I was in the party and watching the people dancing to the soca music playing and at a point I forget I was in Jamaica. I thought I was back home at a real international cooler party below the trees. The ambience, everything was just great. SLEEK: From your I LOVE SOCA performance. For you, what’s the difference between a Jamaican fete and a Trinidadian fete? BENJAI: The only thing different is the Jamaicans are people who will come out in the night and party,

Trinis will come out in night and day, rain, lightning. Any excuse to drink a beer or to have fun. You know… a man score a goal, when Usain Bolt win the gold medal and we didn’t get the gold, we still celebrate like we get the gold and we make the excuse that is one Caribbean. Yea, that’s the vibe. SLEEK: Tell us about your plans for Trinidad carnival. BENJAI: My plan is the same right through where I just like to always try to make a good contribution. I always just try to give mi fans good music and always come good every year. SLEEK: Finally, what makes Benjai certified SLEEK? BENJAI: …Cause I’m swanking’ ah! Benjai hinted that his fans can look out for collaborations with Jamaican entertainers as he has already been making plans for a few.

Benjai (left) and Trinidad’s Selector Myles pose for the SLEEK lens

RENAISSANCE RENAISSANCE ‘A ‘ALL LLWHITE WHITEPARTY’ PARTY’

MONDAY, MONDAY,DECEMBER DECEMBER24, 24,2012 2012

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