@sleekjamaica VOLUME05 ISSUE01
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GKIG AD
Publisher Design Director Production Manager Distribution Photographers
Andrew Bellamy Daniel Ford Reneé McFarlane CREDITS Brian Bellamy Tori Haber Jason Palmer Nicolina Diabo Dwayne Henry Kason Stephenson Contributing Writers Hasani Walters Valencia McCrae Takiya Browne
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sleekjamaica@outlook.com 1.876.631.7712
WHERE TO FIND YOUR ISSUE Cuddy’z, Muffin Top, Fit Farm, Spartan Health Club, South Beach, Avery’s Beauty Concept, Whitebones, 218 Gourmet, Triple Century, Tracks & Records (Kingston), Truck Stop, Cannonball (all 4 locations), The Spot (UWI), Student’s Union Office (UTECH), Little Tokyo (Sovereign), Pita Grill , Susie’s, Giscombe, Texaco (Liguanea & Mary Brown’s Corner), Petcom (Dunrobin), Shhh Boutique, The Pub (Mayfair), Alter Ego, Toss and Roll, Ribbiz Lounge, Candy Craze, White Bones, Michaels, Jamzone, Market Place, Grandeur, Di Trends, Cellaris (Loshusan), I Love Loaves, Gar Mar Barbershop (Northside Plaza), Earl’s Juice Garden, Phoenix Lounge, Jo Jo’s, Spades Lounge, Total Mona, Opa, Escape 24/7, Scotchies, Barbican, Lorna’s, Smart Mobile Solutions, Northside Kitchen, 876Crossfit, Spry Training, Pandora Day Spa and Tea Tree Creperie.
Welcome
F
or months, culture vultures and music enthusiasts have earnestly circled and recircled April 23, citing the date as one of reckoning. The highly-anticipated Carnival Sunday is set to be ‘pumped full of steroids’ as what was once a day dedicated to a singular band has now been expanded, with short notice, to accommodate four. A incredible change too has gripped the leadup party circuit which finds itself wedged to the hilt with a growing bank of regional imports in fierce competition with the scene’s local staples. All this coming together against a soca backdrop fused, this season, with the nostalgic foundations of calypso, featuring themes of girl power and economic irreverence. In our own prep for what is said to be the island’s rise to the Carnival big leagues, we present our first issue of 2017, filled with an ensemble of costumes from the aforementioned four, and where we’ve culled a mood board of soca hits, compiled a fête-attendance register, and have invited contributors to reflect on soca- and pop culture. Spread the word. Carnival is Coming.
AD SPACE
Contents 8. 2017 Soca Moods 9. Carnival in Jamaica 2017 Schedule 14. Far From Finished 16. Rules of di Road 19. Diz iz D’Banz 38. The Original Jamaica Carnival is Back 40. WTF 43. SLEEK Was Here
Cover Photographer: DWAYNE WATKINS Photography Costume: Xaymaca International Provocateur (Frontline) by Lehwego & SLEEK Model: Megan McNaughton
Tiffany Lue-Yen Photography
2017 soca moods
Presented by:
T
he riddims, cadences, and bass lines of power and groovy soca take on inexplicable highs that lead us to feel like love interests, casanovas, underdogs and superheroes. They give us both sweet release and poetic justice, encouraging camaraderie among friends and giving the lone stars that necessary ego boost. SLEEK Radio frontman DJ Franco gets into our heads and pinpoints the tracks from the 2017 season that have already found niches on our MP3 playlists.
1 Fast Wine
Machel Montano
- as recommended by
Most Romantic Song Fete Promoters fav song
2 Full Extreme
Ultimate Rejects 8 | SLEEK
3 Take a bathe
First song you play in the morning
iwer george
Song to sing out loud at the gym
5 big girl now
4 work out
Kes & Nailah Blackman
Hot Girl anthem for 2017
patrice roberts
Gets you amped up for Roadmarch
6 incredible Kes
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honorable mentions
Must-haves in your soca 2017 playlist kings & Queens
big bad soca
sekon Sta feat. SJC Voix Riches & Allia Lewis
bunji garlin
far from finished
midnight cruise
Voice
olatunji
single
leave me alone
orlando octave
Calypso Rose ft. Manu Chao (Kubiyashi Remix ft. Machel Montano)
rankin thing
freaky girls
blaxx
Ricky T ft. Eempey Slicker
jammin sake
buss head
Lyrikal
Machel Montano & Bunji Garlin - as recommended by
Check out during carnival week www.sleekjamaica.com 10 | SLEEK
I LOVE SOCA/ XAYMACA
CARNIVAL IN JAMAICA 2017 SCHEDULE This Carnival season will give new meaning to party-hopping as regional party brands become more interested in the Jamrock as a feting destination. Those familiar with the countdown parties of Trinidad & Tobago Carnival, know that stamina - and a strong dose of Vitamin C - are required to survive days of back-to-back events, a cycle known in that neck of the woods as a pump. SLEEK invites you to gather your pens and tailor your party quotas to your own whims and fancies.
Sunday, April 16th [] Marbana* [] Rio Blanco* [] Sundaze Cooler Fete
[] Trini Jungle Juice Sun Rum Fun [] Feterans Beach Fete*
monday, April 17th [] Mai Tai [] Dusk*
tuesday, april 18th [] Tabanca Tuesdays*
wednesday, april 19th [] I Love Soca* [] Bacchanal Pre-Mas Revellers Fete
thursday, april 20th [] Afloat* [] Tribe Thursdays* [] Frenchmen Blocko
[] BF*C Fantastic Cooler Fete [] Roast Mi Gras Cruise 12 | SLEEK
friday, april 21st [] Back 2 Blue Breakfast Fete [] Medz Breakfast Boat Ride* [] Candy Coated Cruise [] Soca Brainwash Jamaica* [] Scorch Duck Work
[] Bacchanal Jouvert [] Xodus Jungle Jouvert
saturday, April 22nd [] Caesar’s Army: AMBUSH [] Sunrise Breakfast Party* [] Suits Cooler Cruise [] Sun-Kissed Cruise [] Lollipoppy Fish Fry Beach Lyme
[] Frenchmen Bazodee [] BF*C Last Lap
sunday, April 23rd [] ROAD MARCH* [] Big Wall* [] Rio* [] Sandz Pit
monday, april 24th [] Xaymaca Beach Cool Down Lyme* [] Atlantica* [] Jamnesia
*Confirmed Coverage by SLEEK Jamaica 13 | SLEEK
far from finished Dear SLEEK Fam, “Far from finished”; this must be the slogan for carnival in Jamaica as well as every party promoter’s campaign motto. Unquestionably, whosoever underestimated the progress of carnival in Jamaica would have made a grave mistake; the season has blossomed and materialized into one of the staple carnivals one must asterisk on the calendar. New formats & structures however has the local patrons in a disarray, questioning the quotation of US prices, the vast amount of parties and last but by no means least the new bands and routes. Seemingly, the locals perceive the aim of marketing to the international audience should not inevitably ‘dash wey’ the locals but rather balance both audiences. Additionally, the explosive evolution provides an additional impetus for tourists’ visits and economy boosts. The consensus is competition is great; four bands BUT one route. Out of Many ONE carnival; concerns are voiced pertaining to segregation, stating carnival spaces shouldn’t promote it. I digress, much more to say on this topic but not enough space; accolades to the promoters who foresees the greater vision for carnival in Jamaica ‘cause it is FAR FROM FINISHED. Sincerly,
Takiya It has been quite impressive how Jamrock, in the last few years, has re-embraced Carnival culture as a integral component of its party identity. SLEEK essayist Takiya Browne argues the benefits of this new phenomenon.
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RULES
PON DI ROAD Carnival is upon us. The excitement is here and everybody is about to get loose, having no behaviour on di road. Now, winin’ up pon the opposite sex might seem like a lawless activity that requires little forethought, but any experienced bacchanalist knows that that’s not the case. And so, in keeping with good Carnival vibes, here’s our SLEEK Rules Of The Road.
Road Rules
EAT PLEASE!
Ensure you are adequately hydrated before hitting the road. Also, a good, healthy breakfast is key in your masquerading. Even if your band offers a food package, don’t skip breakfast. Yuh waan flop yuhself or what?
KEEP IT CLEAN Always sanitise your hands before you eat. Sweat and dirt will be all over. Yummy! I mean yuck.
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DON’T GET TOO LIT! Avoid becoming drunk on the road by drinking water inbetween alcoholic beverages. Nobody wants to be babysitting an intoxicated adult on the road.
DON’T TAKE DRINKS FROM STRANGERS Never take drinks from strangers and even with friends be very keen to prevent the possibility of being drugged by undesirables who desire you.
STAY CASHED Carry some emergency money just in case you get separated from your crew so you can get home and/or maybe make a stop for food. Make sure it’s somewhere it can’t just fall out, be accessed by someone else while you’re busy kotching and bruck-backing.
THERE ARE NO TOURISTS IN CARNIVAL Carnival is a great equalizer. You won’t find anyone fawning over a nice accent or offering special treatment, and when a reveler decides to ‘tief a wine’ you could be next in line. So be prepared to either push back or push him off.
GUYS, DON’T GUH TOO HARD. The lady may be sexy but she isn’t a rag doll. We know the soca sweet but grabbing, pulling and attacking the bumper is a no no. 17 | SLEEK
STAY WITH THE CREW If you are out with a group of friends always stick with your group or advise one or two members of your group of your whereabouts. No one has time to to act like Liam Neeson in Taken 5 to find you.
WALK WITH YOUR CELLPHONE Walk with your cellphone (fully charged with sufficient credit) to call for help when in distress. You never know what will happen and your banga phone might come in handy!
KNOW YOUR LIMITS If you know that your spouse is a jealous person... and you jump in the same band... then you’re asking for it because he/she is gonna get wined on! Please do not play in the same band. Also ladies, with regards to your male friends who are jumping with their significant other, please limit wines to an acceptable timeframe so as to avoid altercations!
MEET UP POINTS Have a link-up point & make it as consistent as possible because you will get separated from your crew at some point. Unfortunately. All in all, have as much fun as possible on the road, do it like ah boss, but always be vigilant. Mishaps may occur, but take all precautions to be safe. 18 | SLEEK
Be it Carnival Tuesday in Port of Spain or Carnival Sunday in Kingston, playing pretty or big mas is the ultimate payoff of the season, and for socaphiles the world over copping the quick-to-sell-out front-line, individual and back-line manifestations of plumes, cut-outs and beading is serious business. For the Jamrock leg of 2017’s international festivities, not only have two debut bands, Xaymaca and Xodus, thrown their ambitious hats into a ring previously dominated by solo act Bacchanal Jamaica, but the once dormant Jamaica Carnival band has returned to continue the legacy of its founding father, the late musician, record producer and impresario Byron Lee. A collection of adorned silhouettes as visual feast, SLEEK takes four for the road.
COSTUMES INTRO
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+ Xaymaca international Revolution BY KARNIVAL BY KANDI
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Dwayne Watkins Photography
+ Xaymaca international provocatuer BY lehwego & sleek
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Dwayne Watkins Photography
+ Xaymaca international ASCENSION BY KRAVE THE BAND
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Dwayne Watkins Photography
+ Xaymaca international DOMINANCE BY PUNCHY PUNCH
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Tiffany Lue-Yen Photography
+ Xaymaca international
tRANSCENDENCE BYSOCAVSDANCEHALL / FETE 21 24 | SLEEK
Dwayne Watkins Photography
WELCHES
+ XODUS CARNIVAL ARIA
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Real Party Gods
+ XODUS CARNIVAL
GOLD DIGGER 27 | SLEEK
Zimi Entertainment
+ XODUS CARNIVAL
QUEEN OF HEARTS 28 | SLEEK
Real Party Gods
+ XODUS CARNIVAL TREASURE
29 | SLEEK
Zimi Entertainment
BACCHANAL
+bacchanal jamaica trance
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BACCHANAL
+bacchanal jamaica
shooting star 31 | SLEEK
BACCHANAL
+bacchanal jamaica mystique
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BACCHANAL
+bacchanal jamaica pixie dust
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JAMAICA CARNIVAL
jamaica CARNIVAL
kisko
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+
JAMAICA CARNIVAL
+jamaica CARNIVAL
Peenie Wally 35 | SLEEK
JAMAICA CARNIVAL
+jamaica CARNIVAL ring ding
36 | SLEEK
The Original Jamaica k! Carnival is bac By: Valencia McCrae
After a seven year hiatus, Julianne Lee, the daughter of the late Honorable Byron Lee, the conceptualizer of carnival in Jamaica, has reignited the brand with a series of carnival events for Carnival 2017. Lee, last year, re-launched the brand, Byron Lee’s Jamaica Carnival, as a teaser and precursor to what is planned for this carnival season. 38 | SLEEK
Byron Lee was a true visionary who succeeded in introducing carnival in Jamaica, twenty seven years ago, and enjoyed many years of carnival events all across the island all culminating in a grand road parade. He was able to replicate Trinidad road parade in Jamaica, with judging sections, bands and groups of costumed revellers. Julianne Lee is proud to carry on that legacy, as she has embarked on a campaign to re-energize the brand and share it with the Jamaican people. According to Julianne Lee, Managing Director for Jamaica Carnival, “we have been enjoying a tremendous season. It would have been perfect if my dad was here to watch it all unfold. The support has been amazing and i want to thank each and every person who has
come out to our events, and those who have jumped on as partners. Come carnival Sunday April 23, we are going to have a fantastic day chipping down the streets of Kingston”. “Our Jamaica Carnival is truly carnival for everybody, my father wanted it to be as inclusive and touch as many people, as possible. It surpassed all lines of colour, class, creed, to bring everyone together! We will make that happen again this year and for many years to come,” she ended.
39 | SLEEK
By: Valencia McCrae
+
wtf?! +
The crazy world around us - not to mention pop culture - are in constant motion when it comes to giving us daily head-scratching moments or meme-able news. Who could forget the gift-keptgiving ban on corned beef? SLEEK’s resident wit Hasani’s Bryan weighs in.
Facebook Hero vs Marvin Di Beast Marvin a stress out di hero! Facebook Hero and Marvin Di Beast, went back and forth with disses at each other, much to amusement of dancehall fans. The beef stemmed from a musical effort which the two had collaborated on, but took a sour turn when threats were sent.
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ban on corned beef and ordered the recall of all tins in stores after it was reported by Brazilian authorities that several Brazilian companies that supply majority of the product had been selling rotten beef.
Vybz Kartel appeal
Dem ban bully beef! Agriculture Minister Karl Samuda announced that the Government placed a
Fans of Vybz Kartel were sent into an immediate frenzy as news broke that the entertainer got the green light to appeal his murder conviction and life sentence. Many took to social media to rejoice the possibility of freedom for their ‘Worl Boss’.
40 | SLEEK
Vybz Kartel turn Christian?
their displeasure with the actions of the unidentified policeman.
Whoever came up with this one is a genius! Shortly after rumors began surfacing that Vybz Kartel had become a Christian, said rumors was dispelled. Unnu really think we woulda believe?
Unnu hear bout the pastor who allegedly tek the old lady burial money and use it to buy a vehicle? Savage! A shoulda me!
Savage Pastor
Don Andre sex tape Dancehall artiste Don Andre is the latest victim of a leaked sex tape. Leaked or publicity stunt? Wah unnu think? All I know, the ladies a seh him gifted sah. A video of a woman performing oral sex on the entertainer surfaced online and was the hot topic for days. The woman in the video claims the tape has affected her employment in the USA.
Cleaning The Rifle
A video showing a female performing ‘oral sex’ on the M16 rifle of a policeman made the rounds on social media. It had police officials in a state of outrage as they voice
41 | SLEEK
New search laws
Tax, tax, tax
In trying to bring criminality under control, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has tabled legislation that could authorise the security forces to search places, vehicles or persons within specific areas without a warrant. Let’s see how that one’s gonna work out.
More tax! The Andrew Holness administration has announced increases in taxes on motor vehicle licences, fuel, tobacco and alcoholic beverages. Jah know star!
KC Champs New Rules It was pandemonium at the National Stadium as the stageshow, New Rules, headlined by Alkaline took place. Rowdy patrons broke down barriers and bombarded the stage area, causing a massive stampede inside the venue. There were also reports of shots being fired at the venue.
Suh Kingston College guh fi Ugandan Ari Rodgers, guh through all the stress with ISSA regarding him being eligible to run, an still neva win Champs?
42 | SLEEK
Like a moth to the flame, once ‘pan knock’ just know we’ll be there. Why? What’s a party without an accommodating wingman, especially one who indulges you with photos? See where we’ve been since the last time you caught up with us. Who knows? Your next profile pic may be just a page-turn away!
AD SPACE
Hypa Hoppa’s Scorch _uck Work fête series took over the Hilton Trinidad pool area on Carnival Friday with its trusty rubber ducky at the helm, and a Trumpian mandate to ‘make carnival great again’. As the party brand’s 2017 Carnival saga — which also included _uck Work DDI ‘cruise’ earlier that week — came to close, check out those who ‘_ucked responsibly’.
Everyone’s favourite rum cocktail shot portfolio Punchy Punch summoned socaphiles to the Hasely Crawford Stadium Carpark, off the Maraval Parkway, on Carnival Wednesday, for its titular cooler fête, where they were encouraged to bubble, turn up, and ‘Represent’. The event saw live performances by soca artistes Sekon Sta and Ultimate Rejects; and DJ Private Ryan and DJ Charlotte on the ones and twos.
Carnival Thursday wouldn’t be the same without Beach House Carnival, themed Mirror Mirror for 2017, which bears the distinction of being one of the annual Trinbagonian season’s most premium bashes. Sumptuous fare, top-shelf liquor and bubbly, and the obligatory selfie at the party’s design-friendly entrance — a socialmedia must-do — are definitive elements.
Megaband TRIBE — which found costume inspiration, this year, under the premise of Zero Degrees - The Life Below — brought a chill to the streets of the Trinbagonian capital as its Monday-wearing masqueraders spilled on to its streets for the day-one precursor to day-two’s pretty mas, as they followed the caravan of music trucks along every stretch and around every bend of the road-march route.
The Trinbagonian capital erupted in colour on Carnival Tuesday as the grand finale of the season achieved climax. With the independent routes of festooned Carnival bands intersecting, masqueraders from TRIBE and its BLISS-offshoot partied heartily to the sweet sounds of 2017 songbook.