SOCANEWS Free
i119/ MAY 2017 ISSN 1464-7087
socanews.com
MAS 2017
FUTURISTIC ANDROMEDA
PREMIUM SECTION
tearsevents.com
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contents MAY 2017 | ISSUE 119
regular
features
07. NEWS
12. COMIC CARNAVAL
14. PHOTOS
TASTE OF BARBADOS 2017
16. MUSIC
NEW RELEASES VIDEOS SOCA ON THE WEB SOCA RIDDIMS
21. EVENTS
FIND A FETE
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE
SOCANEWS.COM
A COSPLAY SPECTACLE
18. IN THE VILLAGE
25. feature
CARNIVALS & FESTIVALS DIARY 2017 GET LISTED
If you are a carnival organiser, promoter, mas band, steelband, soca sound, community group or other participant who’s feeling left out because we didn’t mention your event, or if you’d like to advertise in the magazine or online, the remedy is in your hands. Get in touch! Give us a call on 0333 012 4643 SN MAY 2017 05
EdITOR’s Letter Yes, soca people, we are here again. Another month, another issue. April was a busy month in terms of band launches, and May is following suit. By the end of the month, most of the sixty plus bands that appear on the road for Notting Hill Carnival will have showcased their 2017 costume presentations. You’ll find our guide to mas bands in the June issue, and see who’s wearing feathers, gems - or maybe not much at all! If you still haven’t booked a holiday this year, check out our Carnival and Festivals Guide and see what takes your fancy. Once you’ve done that, call our friends at Sackville Travel on 020 7274 2242 and say, “Take me there!”
COVER PHOTO OF TEARS MAS ‘FUTURISTIC’
If you would like to have Soca News delivered directly to your door, email info@socanews.com with the subject ‘Sign me up free for 12 months’ and we will do the rest. The next issue of Soca News will be available from Friday 9 June. For more information about advertising in this issue, please contact us on 0333 012 4643. YOURS IN SOCA. Joseph Charles EDITOR
PUBLISHER & EDITOR Joseph Charles jc@socanews.com CREATIVE Joseph Charles SUB EDITOR Katie Segal katie@socanews.com CONSULTING-EDITOR Stephen Spark stephen@socanews.com
SALES & ADVERTISING sales@socanews.com
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT Ashley Harris
WORDS Adanna Austin, Joseph Charles, Michelle Gederon, Nicole-Rachelle Moore, Shaun Hutchinson & Stephen Spark
PUBLISHED BY Joseph Charles Publishing 86-90 Paul Street London, EC2A 4NE
PICTURES Andrea DeSilva, Richard Holder, Roger Charles, Shutter In Motion, Stephen Spark & Victor Morris
TELEPHONE + 44 (0) 333 012 4643 EMAIL info@socanews.com WEBSITE www.socanews.com
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The views expressed in Soca News are not necessarily the views of the editor or the publisher. All material contained within this publication is the copyright of Soca News. No material, written or photographic may be reproduced in any way without the written permission of the publisher. No liability will be accepted for any errors which may occur within the magazine. © 2017 Soca News. All rights reserved. 06 SN MAY 2017
news
Miss Barbados UK Crowned
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he third annual Miss Barbados UK competition took place on Saturday 6 May, and saw the crowning of a new queen. Milan Carrington-Gomes beat five other contestants to be crowned Miss Barbados UK 2017. She will reign for a year, taking over from last year’s winner, Sheree Miller. Carrington-Gomes not only took the crown on the night, but also earned the titles of Miss Picture Perfect, Miss Fitness, Miss Twilight, Top Talent, and Most Outstanding Delegate from the Heritage Quiz Night. Placing second was Kyra Durant, and Zania Linton took third.
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news
Donna moving up at Trinidad Carnival WORDS | MICHELLE GEDERON
D
onna Philip-Forde returned to the UK following a personal triumph in the final of the Queen of Carnival category during this year’s Trinidad Carnival. Her joint fourth position with Savitri Holassie was a great achievement, as this year was only her second appearance in the final. UK-based designer Clary Salandy, of Mahogany mas band, moved fast to construct the piece in just five weeks. Wire, glass-fibre rods, foam, aluminium and steel made up the costume, entitled ‘View from the Helm – Dance of the Dolphins’. The dolphins were designed to appear as if they were swimming. Donna was part of the 2017 Trinidad Carnival presentation of medium-sized carnival band K2K, which took as its theme ‘At the helm’. K2K is very much a family band, founded six years ago by twin sisters Kathy and Karen Norman. Donna is no stranger to carnival competition, as she is the current queen for Dragons Carnival Club in London, a position she has held for 12 years. Donna said, “I have always wanted to be a queen and cross the Queen’s Park Savannah. Visiting Trinidad was the norm for many years, as I used to spend Christmas there with my mum. When she passed away a few years ago, I made up my mind
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that I would seize the opportunity to participate in the queen costume category.” This year marks Donna’s fourth outing during the Trinidad Carnival season, and she’s aiming for a place in the top three next year. When asked what advice she would give someone wanting to play queen for Trinidad Carnival, Donna commented, “Just go for it! If you really love the artform you should follow your heart.”
Bazodee wins Best Music and Audience Choice Award Machel Montano’s movie Bazodee had two successful, sell-out screenings at the Regent Street Cinema in March, as part of the London Asian Film Festival. The film picked up two awards at the LAFF annual awards dinner and dance, taking the ‘Best Music’ and ‘Audience Choice’ awards after creating a storm with its soca music and carnival vibe. There is no UK distribution for the film yet, but as soon as we know anything, you will too.
Kaiso Lime returns
K
aiso Lime is back at the Carnival Village for another season. The talented singer and entertainer Giselle hosted the opening show, which took place on Saturday
6 May. Staple performers such as Tobago Crusoe, Alexander D’Great and D’Alberto touched on a variety of topics such as Donald Trump having been elected as US President and the recent passing of the highly respected Darcus Howe. A delightful poem about the story of pan was delivered by Mavis, who reminded the audience of the origins of the instrument. Pannist Justin Richardson of Pan Fever brought the evening to a close in fine style with his renditions of Explainer’s Lorraine and Stevie Wonder’s My Cherie Amour. Kaiso Lime is a free event held on the first Saturday of each month. The focus is on promoting calypso, kaiso culture that isn’t regularly heard anywhere else in London, and on showcasing calypsonians, soca artists and pannists. Acts are usually UK-based, however international performers have appeared in the past; you just don’t know who you might see at a Kaiso Lime! For a free and authentic taste of kaiso, pan and calypso in London, check out the lime every first Saturday of the month, from 7pm ‘til 10pm at Carnival Village (Tabernacle) in Notting Hill.
no st pauls carnival in 2017
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t Pauls Carnival has been cancelled once again. There was talk earlier in the year of the carnival going ahead, but recent news has confirmed that the carnival will not take place; organisers say that it will be back, bigger and better, in 2018. The carnival, which in the past has attracted crowds of around 100,000 people, has now been cancelled for the third consecutive year. A new organisation, St Pauls Carnival Community Interest Company, made up of volunteers, is now in place. Councillor Carole Johnson, director of the organisation, said they did not have the time to arrange a 2017 carnival, but instead were concentrating on building ‘strong foundations’ for a 2018 event. Johnson said that she wishes to bring the event closer to its roots, a celebration of arts, music, dance and African Caribbean culture. As 2018 will mark the 50th anniversary of St Paul’s Carnival, it is hoped that waiting until next year will mean an event worthy of this landmark, that marks the historical importance of carnival to the city. SN MAY 2017 09
news
Guyana celebrates 51st year of Independence
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uyana’s celebration of its 51st year of independence from Britain is officially celebrated on May 26. Guyana occupies a unique position as the only Englishspeaking country in South America, and it shares a close socio-political affinity and history with many Caribbean islands - so much so that it is often thought of as another country in that region. Popularly known as the ‘Land of Many Waters’ (some say from the Arawak Amerindian words ‘wai ana’), this vast landmass is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Brasil to the south, Suriname to the east and Venezuela to the west. The country was first colonised by the Spanish, then the French, the Dutch and the British, finally being ceded to the latter in 1814 (in the AngloDutch Treaty). Although contact with Europeans historically proved fatal for most of the indigenous Arawak, Carib and Warao peoples, several thousand Amerindians continue to live in the country’s dense interior. Soca News wishes Guyana and all Guyanese people across the Diaspora a happy independence.
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Time Out London is offering a Taste of the Islands
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ime Out London has teamed up with British Airways to offer a handful of lucky Londoners (well, the ones that don’t already have a Caribbean relative cooking up these dishes) the chance to enjoy dishes from Barbados, Grenada, St Kitts and Tobago. Four tasting tables will be assembled, one from each of those islands, to give visitors a taste of the region at a Caribbean -inspired supper club. The setting for this culinary gathering will be Tanner Warehouse, in Bermondsey. There is also a competition on the night to win a trip for two to the Caribbean. A Taste Of The Islands takes place on Thursday 25 May; for a chance to win a pair of tickets, visit www.timeout.com/london/ things-to-do/win-tickets-for-our-taste-of-theislands-feast.
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Comic Carnaval, a cosplay spectacle WORDS | JOSEPH CHARLES
S
omething very different is set to hit the east side of London this coming Bank Holiday weekend, something called Comic Carnaval. What is this, I hear you ask? Well, it’s a party set to be a hitherto unknown hybrid of mas and cosplay. Comic Carnaval is the after party for the MCM London Comic Con, which takes place on 26 – 28 May. MCM Comic Con sponsor Legion Mas, who refer to themselves as ‘The world’s 1st cosplay carnival brand’. The two have partnered to bring some spice and carnival fun to the Saturday night party, a costumed, themed event that will bring together the cosplay and carnival audiences in a fantastic mash-up.
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PHOTOGRAPHER. ROGER CHARLES COSTUME DESIGN. MELISSA-SIMON HARTMAN (LEGION MAS)
feature
To help bring that carnival vibe, there will be live performances from Trinidadian soca artist, Sekon Sta. Other acts include Micky Rich, Jadel & Natalyah, with music spun by DJ Raiky, DJ Rakka and London’s very own Release D Riddim. The dress code on the night will be cosplay or carnival costumes; mas bands are being encouraged to attend in their own costumes. All the action takes place on Saturday 27 May at the ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway. For more information, and tickets, visit www.mcmcomiccon.com/london/attractions/ mcm-party. To see Legion Mas’ costumes, visit their website at www.legionmas.com.
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photos Just a few images from Taste Of Barbados, which took place from 5 to 7 May. The event was held on the iconic South Molton Street, near Bond Street in London.
SEE THE FULL GALLERY AT
SOCANEWS.COM/PHOTOS 014 SN MAY 2017
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music
new soca releases HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE NEW SOCA RELEASES FROM THE UK, BARBADOS, SAINT VINCENT AND SAINT LUCIA
THIS IS THE LIFE
BAD & READY
SUNSHINE & NADIVA
MY TEAM MS DESIRE
MEH HEART IMANI
KING BUBBA
ANTIDOTE MARVAY
EXPENSIVE
LIQUOR
SHANTA PRINCE
REHAB
BIGGIE IRIE
PEOPLE FULL
OF VIBES SHAUNELLE MCKENZIE
GOOD PEOPLE SKINNY FABULOUS
I IN DAT SERGIE
MORE MUSIC MAY BE FOUND ONLINE AT SOCANEWS.COM/MUSIC 016 SN MAY 2017
videos
soca on the web
new soca riddims
Sunday 5-8PM
7-9PM
antidote MARVAY
MEGA MIX SHOW DJ CRIS VIBESFM.COM
THE BEAT SOCA SHOW
SMOKEY JOE & DANNYD THE BEAT 103.6FM
6-8PM
THE CARIBBEAN AFFAIR
MARTIN JAY BAKAHNALRADIO.COM
8-10PM BAKAHNAL IN D JUNCTION
DJ TORO BAKAHNALRADIO.COM
cock it up riddim VARIOUS ARTISTS
monday 7-10PM SOCA CITY
tipsy
BLACK SHADOW FEATURING RUPEE
TINY WINEY BAKAHNALRADIO.COM
10-12PM BACCHANAL VYBES OF SOCA
SOCA DEVIL RJR 98.3FM RADIORJR.COM
thursday 6-8PM
D BREAK AWAY SHOW DIGGA D BAKAHNALRADIO.COM
9-11PM SOCA SHAKEDOWN
good people
SKINNY FABULOUS FEATURING AZARIAH GIBSON & DARRON ANDREWS
MIKE FORBES CARIBBEANSESSIONS.CO.UK
dutty jab riddim VARIOUS ARTISTS
Friday 9-11PM CARIBBEAN SESSIONS SHOWCASE
DJ CJAY CARIBBEANSESSIONS.CO.UK
IF YOU HAVE OR KNOW OF A RADIO PROGRAMME THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE INCLUDED IN THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL INFO@SOCANEWS.COM WITH ALL THE RELEVANT INFORMATION
nobody ready R.CITY
FOR MORE MUSIC VISIT
SOCANEWS.COM/ MUSIC
caribbean sessions riddim VARIOUS ARTISTS
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feature
In the village
W
elcome to our monthly round-up of carnival arts and activities taking place at both the Tabernacle and the Yaa Centre.
It definitely feels winter has departed, and spring has just about arrived - and what better way to kick off the warmer season than with the return of Kaiso Lime. In association with Talk Yuh Talk, Kaiso Lime returned, on 6 May, to its monthly residency at the Tabernacle. With performances ranging from Tobago Crusoe, Pan Fever, D Aberto, Giselle, and Alexander D Great, entry is free. You can turn up and chill with a Carib and a roti, from 7pm. April saw the first ‘Pan Clash Jam Sunday’, at the Tabernacle. Organised by Steel Pan Trust, this is your opportunity to hear some of the best of current young talent, jamming together. Steel Pan Trust Charity Director Shareen Gray said, “The idea was that pan players could come together and have a casual platform to jam and play pan together; like a pan-gym workout’. The next Pan Clash Jam Sunday is 4 June, from 6pm to 10pm. The Yaa Centre are excited to be presenting a series of carnival arts workshops in partnership with ELIMU Mas Academy. Starting on 20 May with the fantastic opportunity to learn traditional wire bending with carnival artists Carl and Lynn Gabriel, others include make-up for carnival, walking on stilts as a moko jumbie, and accessorising your mas costume. The workshops are free; for more details go to yaacentrew9.com/events or email info@carnivalvillage. org.uk .
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events
You are strongly advised to check with the event promoter, as details sometimes change and cancellations may occur; all information was correct at the time of going to print.
fri 19 - sun 21 May
sat 20 May
SOCA MASSIVE AND ASSOCIATES
CENTRE FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS AT LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEEDS WEST INDIAN CARNIVAL
YAA CENTRE
@ RnR Wine Bar, 225 Chingford Mount Road, Chingford, E4 8LP. DJs Soca Massive, Zoomer D & DJ Fats. Time 8pm. Price £5 after 10pm.
LEEDS CARNIVAL CONFERENCE
@ Leeds Beckett University, City Campus, Leeds, LS1 3HE. www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/ carnival/#about-the-leeds-carnival-conference
fri 19 May D’REMEDY
2ND YEAR ANNIVERSARY
@ Nomad, 58 Old Street, EC1V 9AJ. DJs Triple M, Prince Vern, Supa Nytro, Big Business & Armanic Hic. Time10pm-5am. Price £10, £15, £20, motd.
SOCANEWS.COM /EVENTS
FREE CARNIVAL WORKSHOP
@ Yaa Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, W9 2AN. Hosted by Carl & Lyn Gabriel. Time 11am5pm. Price free; registration is required at yaacentreW9.com.
thurs 25 May SOCAHOLICA & UCOM
SUMMER TING
@ Gem, 10 Beak Street, W1F 9RA. DJs DJ Chris Vee, Mr Hype & DJ Jamzy. Time 6pm-3am. Price free b4 8pm, £5 after.
fri 26 May THE ROYAL LOUNGE
CLUB ZOUK - DRESS UP FRIDAY
@ The Royal Lounge, 397 High Road, Wembley, HA9 6AA. Time 9pm-4am. Price £10 + b/fee.
WE JAMMIN’ STILL
sat 27 May LEGION MAS
COMIC CARNAVAL
@ ExCel London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL. Live Acts Sekon Sta, Jadel, Natalyah, Mickey Rich, Chiaki & Mari. DJs Release D Riddim, DJ Daiky & DJ Rakka. Time 8pm-2am. Price £15.
GUYANA’S 51ST INDEPENDENCE
@ The Classic, 28 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7PG. DJs Mr Marlon, GT Promotion & Shogun. Time 9pm-3:30am. Price £12. Tel 07961 311 332
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events
AJ’S CARIBBEAN SCENE
AJ’S CALYPSO TENT
@ The Irish Centre, 96-104 Chatham Street, Reading, RG7 1HA. Hosted By Mr Richard Weekes. Live Acts G-String, De Admiral, Dame Polly, Dave Batson, King Clivus, Ms Desire, Music Man & DeeVine. Time 7.30pm, for an 8pm start. Price £10 adults, £5 under 16. Tel 07930 907 354
TOBAGO RESIDENTS UK
BBQ & BLAZING SOCA @ Turpington Lane Community Centre, Turpington Lane, Bromley, Kent, BR2 8JX. Time 6-11:30pm. Price £12.
sun 28 May WESTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT
MINGLE THE CRUISE
@ O2 Pier, North Greenwich, SE10 0DX. Live Acts Salty & Akeem 5.0. DJs Release D Riddim, DJ CJay, Guff Nuff, Mitchigan Vibes & DJ Bones. Time 2-6pm. Price £35 & £40.
SUN BAILANTE
THE HOT CARNIVAL PARTY - THE BEAUTY & THE BEAST EDITION
KAISO LIME!
JACKIE’S SOCA SUNDAYS
SOCA FRENZY
@ Map Studio Cafe, 46 Grafton Road, NW5 3DU. Live Act Lord Cloak. Time 4-11pm. Price £5. Tel 07986 321 196.
mon 29 May COCOYEA LONDON
SUMMER OF SOCA MUSIC
@ The Soca Temple, Undersolo 22 Inverness Street, NW1 7HJ. DJs Soca Massive, DJ Fats & Zoomer D. Time 5pm-midnight. Price free b4 8pm, £5 thereafter. Tel 07956 223 247.
GUSDA
@ UK Centre for Carnival Arts, 3 St Mary’s Road, Luton, LU1 3JA. DJs Twin T, Supa Nytro, Guff Nuff, DJ Majikal & DJ LS. Time 9pm-3am. Price £10, £12 & £15, motd.
@ Oasis Academy, Shirley Road, Croydon, CR9 7AL. DJs Mr Marlon, DJ Blondee, Sweet K & DJ Larni. Time 1-10pm. Price children under 10 are free, 11-12 yr. olds £2, adults £8, senior citizens £5.
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TALK YUH TALK IN ASSOCIATION WITH CARNIVAL VILLAGE TRUST
@ O2 Academy Islington, N1 Centre, 16 Parkfield Street, N1 0PS. DJs Jay Sun Bailante, Supa Nytro, Shep Beats, DJ Jamzy, DJ Bones, D’Transformerz, DJ Majikal & Dancehall Syndicate. Time 11pm-6am. Price £15, motd.
UK CENTRE FOR CARNIVAL ARTS
THE OFFICIAL LUTON INTL CARNIVAL AFTERPARTY
Sat 03 june
GUYANA FOLK FESTIVAL
@ Carnival Village, Tabernacle Powis Square, W11 2AY. DJs Soca Massive, DJ Fats & Zoomer D. Time 7-10.30pm. Price free.
fri 09 june 9TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY FETE
@ The Scala, 275 Pentonville Road King´s Cross, N1 9NL. Live Acts King Bubba & College Boy Jesse. Time 11pm-5am.
sat 10 Jun GRENADA VOLUNTARY HOSPITAL COMMITTEE
BOAT CRUISE PARTY @ Festival Pier, South Bank, SE1 8XZ. Time 7:30pm-1am. Price £30 incl. meal. Tel 07960 705 518
BUSSPEPPER PROMOTIONS LIMITED
BRITISH SOCA TIME
@ Trade Union, 3 Thomas More Street, St Katharine’s & Wapping, E1W 1YW. Time 9pm-3am. Price £10, £15 & £20.
SOCANEWS.COM /EVENTS
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Carnivals & festivals Diary
2017 Are you looking for somewhere exciting to go this year? These are just some of the carnivals and festivals taking place worldwide, as well as several right here in the UK. (Where relevant, we’ve used the date of the main event as an indicator, although the carnival/festival season may run for longer.)
may 2017
03 04 - 06 05 - 07 06 12 - 14 19 26 - 28 27 28 28 29
ST MAARTEN CARNIVAL BAHAMAS JUNKANOO CARNIVAL PURE GRENADA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017 CAYMAN CARNIVAL BATABANO SAINT LUCIA JAZZ & ARTS FESTIVAL AALBORG KARNEVAL PHOENIX CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL ATLANTA CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL LUTON INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL ORLANDO CARNIVAL READING CARNIVAL
ST MAARTEN BAHAMAS GRENADA CAYMAN ISLANDS SAINT LUCIA AALBORG, DENMARK PHOENIX, USA ATLANTA, USA LUTON, UK FLORIDA, USA READING, UK
jun 2017
01 - 04 04 10 16 - 19 17 17 20 - 22 22 - 25 24 25
SOUTH CAROLINA CARNIVAL BERLIN - CARNIVAL OF CULTURES NORTHAMPTON CARNIVAL BERMUDA HEROES WEEKEND OSLO KARNEVAL BIELEFELDER CARNIVAL OF CULTURES ST KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL HOLLYWOOD CARNIVAL CHARLESTON CARIFEST PRESTON CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL
SOUTH CAROLINA, USA BERLIN, GERMANY NORTHAMPTON, UK BERMUDA OSLO, NORWAY BIELEFELD, GERMANY ST KITTS HOLLYWOOD, USA SOUTH CAROLINA, USA PRESTON, UK
SOCANEWS.COM/CARNIVALS * AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRINT ALL INFORMATION WAS DEEMED TO BE CORRECT. WE HAVE DOUBLE AND TRIPLE CHECKED OUR DATES, BUT IF YOU CAN SEE AN ERROR, OR THERE IS AN EVENT YOU THINK WE HAVE MISSED, PLEASE LET US KNOW BY EMAILING INFO@SOCANEWS.COM. SN MAY 2017 025
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