Sym-Magazine by Tilsa Wright

SYM S Y M -M A G A Z I N E

VOLUME NUMBER 2 I S S U E

N U M B E R

N O V / D E C 2 0 1 2

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tis the season to be SYMbolic PERFECT FOR FROM LONDON TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON YOUTUBE,“DEAR JESUS” ‘‘WHEN DANCEHALL WAS NICE’’ ENTERTAINS US ALL

‘ONE MIC’ ONE UNFORGETTABLE SOUND

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN TAKES THE WORLD BY STORM

SYM M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T

SYM MAGAZINE has been created to provide a platform of positive expression and serve as a source of inspiration to the urban market. The core purpose of SYM MAGAZINE is to highlight and feature up and coming talent, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations and trail blazers. In each issue, SYM will share their stories of passion, commitment, and give readers full comprehensive knowledge into their lives. SYM serves as a vehicle of empowerment while educating and connecting our urban market to these individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brands. SYM will periodically feature special stories on established and respected celebrities, entertainers and business moguls. They will share their breakthrough stories as a tool of encouragement. SYM-MAGAZINE promises to explore a diverse number of topics, which will keep you informed and entertained, all the while radiating light on issues that directly affect our market. SYM will be a resource for changing traditional publishing psyche. We are positioning ourself as a unique centerpiece for uniting industries. SYM MAGAZINE symbolizes greatness and diversity. It adds value and echoes hope through impactful content. SYM Magazine makes a difference!

p u b l i s h e r / e d i t o r- i n - c h i e f

assistant editor

p ro m o t i o n a l b u s i n e s s a s s o c i a t e s

TILSA CECILE WRIGHT

WAYNE MARSHALL

hitsquadd MEDIA-PRESIDENT GRANSLAM

c re a t i v e d i re c t o r

contributing writers

RANDELL PEARSON

FELICIA DAWKINS MARLON ROWE

3-D PLATFORM INC. FLEXXFM-FT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA JUNIOR CULTURE SHOWOFF RADIO

SYM Advertise in SYM-magazine and have your product /service seen by thousands in the arts and entertainment industry. For Media Kit contact Tilsa Wright, Advertising Director @347 440-6099 or tilsawright@yahoo.com

SYM TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

a peek at what’s inside On the Cover

Jamaica’s ‘Rising Star’, Christopher Martin IS a cool brother doing great things.

SYM Books

SYM FEATURES NINE

GREAT BOOKS...NINE GREAT READS BY AN ARRAY OF TALENTED AND STIMULATING AUTHORS. TAKE ONE, TWO OR ALL HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Featured Author

Sandra Ottey

continues to keep us on our toes with her se-

quel ‘Runaway Come Back’ that has many readers talking.

Anicia Thomas

A media practi-

tioner with a lot to offer, shares her expe-

rience in China. THIS PAGE: sym featured REGGAE ARTIST CHRISTOPHER MARTIN

SYM PUBLISHER’S LETTER

WHAT INSPIRES ME? Ask yourself this question, search deep for answers that mirror you regardless of what society or even close friends may think. Believe it or not, I was a procrastinator before publishing Sym and my books. To procrastinate is to kill one’s dream, to be inspired coupled with good positioning is the beginning of realization of what could be. I had to learn the stages of life, the influences of life, and the power of spiritually. To love myself in order to be inspired by the greats, as well as be humbled by God’s blessings. In our September/October issue we featured a young talented visionary, Khiry Palmer, an example of inspiration. What Palmer set out to do some years ago, was to produce an all black cast adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Antony and Cleopatra’. On November 27th 2012 at The American Theatre for Actors in New York City, his vision will come to fruition, and I hope to see you there! Pulling the royal purple curtain back there’s another that stands center stage that Khiry Palmer could very possibly become a successor of. Yes, the once homeless man who is now a millionaire, with the very influential media empire in the Mecca of Atlanta, Georgia. The one and only Tyler Perry. Not that Palmer is trying to be Perry, but he is indeed inspired by him. Establishing a theater company in New York City’s Bam Media Group LLC, Palmer has produced 10 shows in one year of it’s inception. Looking ahead, Palmer’s eyes are set on wining a Tony, as well as transitioning into film production. So, now you may better understand my comparison of Palmer to Perry? Writing a list of what inspires you, that’s one approach. Try map questing a role model or mentor who leaves trails for you to follow. Adapting the well known phrase, “By any means necessary” can be your motivativation for acheiving your goals. Remember, as we prepare to welcome in the New Year, that inspiration is not hype, glitz, or glamour, but hard work, focus and determination. Now after the turkey, stuffing and delicious drinks, compose a list of your inspirations and aspirations that mirrors you! Season Greetings and all the best for the coming New Year from all of your friends at SYM!

Tilsa C.Wright

www.sym-magazine.com Twitter.com/tilsawright facebook.com/sym-magazine

Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greetings!

order your copy today at www.magcloud.com

SYM

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Like the Great Wall of China, Anicia is taking her strides in media one step at a time Anicia Thomas is an extraordinary Media Practitioner sharing her passion for a sector that is considered air tight, and a grandfathered narrowed vision, in her native Jamaica, a country that is now craving media growth and development.

F E L I C I A

D A W K I N S

What inspired your path to media relations? I always knew I liked media but initially didn’t study it. I actually studied Business but while in my final year, I studied Radio Production privately. So the passion has always been there but never truly came to life until I was thrust into Television Production after leaving College at 19, putting my path into prospective while giving birth to my passion. I became one of the lead anchors with focus on news and special featured stories, while still doing general productions. I was basically belting all this experience at a state owned media entity, which was responsible for government Public Relations in Jamaica. My mother told me she knew I would do something in media because at about 4 or 5 years old, I would write my own news for the day and gather everyone and anyone I could find to read it to. She was quite amused at this. Describe what was it like preparing for this journey? Preparation hmmm, let’s just say while I had the love for media and did various courses to prepare, I was thrown into certain areas that no preparation could really be done. For instance video production, script writing, and research, I had to grasp all this hands on and very quickly. The beauty about working at this state owned media house, is that it equipped me for any role in media. There was nothing that you shouldn’t be able to do; it was designed for you to find your niche. Mine was script writing and production. List 5 things you love about your work experience in China? My adventure in China was not for work per say at first. I actually did a media course there through the Sino-Caribbean Connections in Technologies for Radio and Television, which is for short a China/Jamaica scholarship program. Which is best described as a major professional international short course. I absolutely love China and its varying cultural experiences. It was because of this course I did at first in 2008, that made me return to China in 2009. I was determined to explore more research material about the culture, government, traditions and social experiences, as such I submitted a proposal to the Chinese Embassy in Jamaica to conduct research and do a television documentary on the country as it emerges from being such a ‘closed country’ to a force to be reckoned with as well as a documentary on Jamaican and Caribbean nationals living and studying in China. My proposal was accepted by the Embassy and fully sponsored for myself and the production crew where I was director, scriptwriter and producer. This has been my most fulfilling work to date in terms of production. So here are my five favorite things about working in China. 1. Chinese people are extremely hard working, I admire their work ethics. 2. China is a beautiful place for travel. 3. The food is awesome! 4. You can certainly ‘find’ yourself in China. I think because you are such a ‘rare’ sight in the country you tend to develop an individualistic sense, you embrace anything familiar and you create an impression of yourself there to blend in. 5. The Chinese nature of being thrifty - the people are so humble and very resourceful. With your resume, do you see yourself becoming the next Oprah? Or do you intend to walk in her shoe? Lol, Oprah! Nooo, even though I have a passion for media and production, I’m not sure I would be an “Oprah”...Oprah has a different mandate not sure that we share the same. In terms of operating a production house, well, my husband and I operated a cable channel and production house. Unfortunately we ended up pulling the plug, main reason being that business in Jamaica can be a nuisance and having to deal with so many factors that hampers growth and development. We were basically losing more than making anything, forget about breaking even. It was very hard to manage finances, oversee productions, produce every show for the channel while sweeping the floors and turning off the lights at night...whew! How can women in Jamaica media be, or become a strong force to reckon with, to outshine or overtake their male counterpart? “I don’t really see women different from men in media; we do the same things, and more and most times better.” Where do you see media relations in Jamaica in the next 3-5 years? And what role do you plan to play? Media in Jamaica is right now very air-tight and stifling for me that is. I think after seeing the world LOL! Especially from one of the leading countries in technology, to an extent, I find Jamaica is doing things the same old way, and this is a bit tiring. Media is still dominated by the older heads and until they give younger people the leverage to do new things freely without the resistance it gets now, 3-5 years will be the same. I am not in main stream media anymore but still work in a media related field, in the capacity of Public Relations and Marketing with a government agency, I try to use new technologies and a lot of social media to get messages out in a less rigid way. How do you balance career and family? Well! The balance is a little bit better now that my daughter is older and I am no longer in main stream media and production, before it was a challenge especially while operating my own business. Back then my daily routine was hectic, tiring and entailing, long working hours at the studio, and having to find quality time for my daughter. I played quite a juggling act, starting with being a mother, household help, wife, home work assistant, and taxi driver for my daughter’s after school and weekend activities. E v erything else you can imagine, but I’m a fiercely organized person while making contingency plans for unforeseen events is one of my strengths; so I made the balance work! Granted, I have an extremely supportive husband so he helped in almost every area. Sym-Magazine is proud to have had the opportunity to speak with a young resourceful talent who many deem is yet to be discovered and given a platform that will take Jamaica into a more competitive media market.

‘Dear Jesus’ thank you for establishing me as a writer, director, and producer this year This best describes the 23 year old creator, director, and producer Danielle Haughton reaction to the success of her very first film project, ‘Dear Jesus’. “The church’s message for this year of which I presently attend is ‘Establishment’. So, I decided it was time for me to step behind the camera, write, direct and produce my very first project.” With dashes of Jamaican flavors and spices, ingredients of rice and peas, chicken soup, oxtails and beef patties, Danielle incorporated scenes and frustrating scenarios that arise daily while working at Cool Breeze Caribbean Restaurant in South London in a few if not all the episodes in the first season. “Would you believe customers actually come in and order rice and peas, and then asked to separate the peas from the rice? The best request thus far regarded the curry goat. A customer actually wanted boneless curry goat. can you fathom that? She wanted me to separate the bone from the meat. They never cease to amaze me.” This approach has certainly broadened her viewer demographics beyond the Christian community. Her family lineage to the beautiful Caribbean island of Jamaica is a definite plus as well. Danielle’s father was born in Kingston, and her mother in Portland, and are both extremely proud of their very talented daughter.

Follow the series on youtube @DearJesusTV on Facebook DearJesusTV www.wonderlondonfilms.com

Danielle graduated from London College of Fashion in 2010 with a BA in Promotions and Broadcasting. She worked 4 years at SuperSuper Magazine as their Video Director. Danielle has had the opportunity to work on a few major promotional campaigns, such as Reebok for Saatchi & Saatchi Agency and other brands such as, Boy Better Know, and Boxfresh. Despite the occasional setbacks of her present source of income, she is an inspiration. In the sense that it doesn’t matter what type of work you are doing as long as you’re truly fulfilling your passion. “I’ve always wanted to become a writer, director, and producer based on my experience in broadcasting. When I saw how Issa Rae’s webseries ‘Awkward Black Girl’ has become such a great success my wheels started turning. I sought to become ‘established’ as the message was from the divine order. Additonally, witnessing other independent filmmakers enjoying successful breakthroughs showed me it was my time as well.” Like the lead actress Linda Adey, Haughton writes in her dairy each day which she considers a religious habit, asking “God, why me”? And in the same breathe thanking him for the breakthroughs she knows lay ahead. Danielle basically builds the concept of the webseries from this. “A little of myself and what I know others are going through right now in the present time is always a great formula to write a project. ‘Dear Jesus’ embodies this.” Now picture Danielle wearing more than five or so hats. Yes, believe it or not, she not only writes but does the lighting, camera projection, sound, and editing all by herself. Talk about a one woman show. Actually more of a one woman act! Danielle wrote, and produced the first season in basically 6 months. Committing her talent, focus and determination was an uncompromising effort. With the completion of ‘Dear Jesus’’ first season, filled with real life situations, trying to serve God, using elements of comedy, drama, suspense and action, season two is slated to have more of the same. And maybe even some romance as lead actress Mercedes will be smitten over a ‘Star Boy’. —T I L S A C . W R I G H T

The Star Boy Book series is a proud sponsor of

Dear Jesus

webseries season 2 premiering March 2013. “Cricket, wicket he knows how to…‘Dear Jesus’ I am tempted” Watch season one on youtube.com/DearJesusTV and Tweet us @DearJesusTV www.wonderlondonfilms.com

starboy9776@yahoo.com Tweet us @starboythebook Purchase Star Boy by Tilsa C. Wright on Kindle and Amazon

Linda Adey writes ‘Dear Jesus’ and asks “Why me Father?” ‘Dear Jesus’, an absolutely perfect title for a London based web-series starring a very talented up and coming 23 year old actress, Linda Adey, who in real life is a Christian. She plays Mercedes, the lead role. She says acting this role is like second nature. The mild profanity doesn’t effect her off camera spiritual beliefs. Linda actually does admit to a slip of the tongue from time to time. “I believe in the message that ‘Dear Jesus’ portrays appeals to both believers and non-believers. Viewers can absolutely relate” she explains. Her secondary school teacher was also an actress and inspired Linda’s path and encouraged her to stay focused. “While attending her class I felt free. It was a time for me to escape.” Linda received training from the distinguished Royal Shakespeare Company, which happens to be one of the world’s best known theatre companies as well as Identity Drama School. This web-series will captivate and most certainly build an audience around the world. It caught our attention on Facebook one week after it’s first episode premiered this past September. The interesting feature about Linda’s character is her daily diary entries to ‘Dear Jesus’. A diary entry from episode one reads: “Dear Jesus, why are you doing this to me? I have no job, no man. Father I need your help here. It doesn’t make sense my name is Mercedes and I feel like a Fiat with flat tires.” She sees herself being at total peace, and becoming an established actress in 5 years. “Right now I am grounded in my faith in God and will not limit my craft to only religious film projects. Of course, doing nude scenes are out of the question.”

@Linda_Adey @DearJesusTV

Adey has performed in a number of projects during the past couple of years. They include ‘If Only’ at the Oval House Theatre, ‘Totally Over You’ at the Arcola Theatre, ‘Storm’ at the Drill Hall Theatre. Linda has a passion to entertain and educate the masses through acting. —T I L S A C . W R I G H T

The World Famous are Known to Stay on Track Despite the Odds

Ottey’s

TILSA

C. WRIGHT

“My novel encourages women, especially high school dropouts to stay the course regardless of life’s challenges”

Author Sandra Ottey, from the extraordinary Olympian Merlene Ottey family lineage, shares two heartfelt novels that encourage women to stay focus and remain on track. Ottey lives a very busy work and family life, but took time to devote to her passion for writing. SYM had the wonderful opportunity of attending her book signing this September at a beautiful brownstone mansion in the culturally diverse Fort Greene section of Brooklyn, New York. Launching her sequel ‘Runaway Comeback’ was well received, in attendance were friends, family, small business owners, media personalities, white collars and last, but not least, representatives from local political offices. So, it was only natural we followed up with an exclusive interview. SYM What was the inspiration that fueled this project? I wanted to encourage and inspire high school and college dropouts to pick themselves up and still go on to accomplish their educational goals and aspirations, despite having dropped out. I wanted to reiterate the fact that dropping out of school is indeed a setback, a bump in the road, even a mistake; but it doesn’t have to be a dead end. Dropouts can pick themselves up, dust off the mishaps so to speak and continue a journey of realized goals and dreams, despite many unforeseen challenges. SYM What was your process of creating and developing the characters? I always know what role I want the characters to play in a story, even though that role may change later on. Also, I enjoy the freedom of doing almost anything with the development of the characters, as long as it follows the storyline. There are a few processes that I use when creating and developing characters. One I use a trait from my own personality, a friend’s personality, maybe even something from a conversation I heard, or simply tap into that creative part of me that has the ability to take one characteristic from a few different persons and use them to create and develop a brand new multi-layered character. SYM In your novels Jamerican Connection and the sequel, Runaway Comeback is it your intent to only target the Jamaican community given the story primarily takes place in Jamaica as well as the fact that most of your readers are Jamaican? No, I actually write about global issues, so anybody can relate. The story is set in Mandeville, Jamaica, and Brooklyn, New York; and most of the characters have either lived in or visited both countries. People from all walks of life can relate to issues such as a woman’s right to an education, experiencing infidelity, spousal abuse, and the strains that migration has on long distance relationships and family vitality. SYM How have readers responded to your novels? The responses I must say are extremely great! So far, readers have told me how much they can relate to the story. I wish I had the means of distributing my work to a wider audience so that more people will get the opportunity to read my work and be inspired. SYM Who is your favorite character besides Rose Thorn and why? I like Laverne Fine (Rose Thorn’s best friend), because she epitomizes who a true, best friend really is. I also admire Laverne’s passion for trying so hard to get a United States Visa so that she could go to Brooklyn to investigate her Jamerican lover’s background, even though his mother was staunch on keeping a tight lid on their family secrets. I also admire her patriotism for staying in Jamaica and developing her cosmetology career there. However, I really liked how Laverne served as a look-out in Jamaica and tipped off Rose about her husband Donovan boarding a plane to American immediately as she witnessed it. That heads up to Rose was so vital; however, you will have to read both installments in order to experience Laverne’s strong sense of loyalty. SYM How would you like to see this project evolve? Seeing my work on the big screen is the ultimate goal for me. In the meantime, I would like to inspire as many high school and college dropouts as possible to stay strong and not give up, to keep on pushing and getting back on track to realize their educational dreams and aspirations.

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From ‘Rising Star’ to the hit ‘Cheater’s Prayer’ he refuses ‘Bun ‘n Cheese’ and women who love ‘The Paper ‘ in his hot music videos. T I L S A

C .

W R I G H T

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN

Christopher Martin will grace New York City with a ‘New, Young, Hip, Smooth side of Reggae’

Well, there is no need to wonder why female fans are all screams and in tears when this super fine, handsome young man, and yes, talented act performs on stage. Christopher Martin has risen from the unknown to become a star that will forever shine. With a sweet singing voice for the ladies, Christopher’s lyrics also ring of truth to valuable lessons in relationships. A prime example is, ‘Loving me for the Paper’; and a ‘Cheaters Prayer’. There is no need to wonder about the value he places on women in general as he dedicates a heartfelt song to his dear mother entitled ‘My Mother is the Greatest’. Schedule to perform two weeks from this beautiful mixed weathered day in New York City, Tri-State fans will have the opportunity to hear Christopher perform live at ‘One Mic’ in the heart of Brooklyn’s Caribbean melting pot come November 28th. I am tauting his presence in New York as the ‘calming voice’ after a ‘Sandy Storm’. SYM-Magazine had the wonderful opportunity to interview the busiest man in entertainment. Why should someone from the outside looking at you consider you a star? “I would really like to be viewed as a person, an individual, who loves music and gives fans my all and offer relatable reasons to listen to my songs.” While watching your live interview on FlexxFm a couple weeks ago, you mentioned your new business venture ‘Cheeny Big Son’. What should fans expect from this label? “Fans will get nothing but great in house production and quality from our label moving forward. I plan to cater to emerging new artists, and so far we have Cecile and Adrenaline on the team. We are a force to reckoned with. So, expect great things ahead.” Why did you audition for Rising Star? “To be honest, I was at a cross roads during my last year at St. Jago, and going to College wasn’t an option due to financial reasons. My high school friends are responsible for me auditioning, as they always had confidence in my performance. They were all singing in one cord ‘Chris you have to enter. Go get that cash prize, it’s already yours.’ Taking their advice I moved forward, a bit nervous, but I knew I had to give this opportunity nothing but my very best. Yes, it was about the cash prize in one aspect, but during the competition it became an actual hands on experience that gave me insight into what the industry entails. So, it was more of an actual learning and giving process which has now become a stepping stone.” How are you coping with the success of your career, going from zero, in a sense, to a global sensation, travelling to numerous countries, and not losing focus? “I cope by accepting and recognizing that my talent and success thus far is a gift from God himself. The Divine is truly smiling and showering me with blessings, and I am humbled by this. The constant support and encouragement from both my parents helps me to remember my roots, and spiritual journey in a sense. Most important for me also are the individuals who helped me get to where I am, as I continue to show them mad love and respect. Appreciating my fans and valuing their support is a vital part of my brand as an artist, and makes me focus and zero in on my work as opposed to getting caught up in the hype.” Who or what inspired the lyrics for ‘Cheaters Prayers’? “Funny you ask this, ‘Cheaters Prayers’ was created while singing in the shower. I mean most people sing while taking a bath or shower right? So, one day the lyrics poured out as the waters ran down my body as if it was watering a seed, and the growth from this was profound lyrics that are now on the lips of everyone across the globe.” What would be your message to another rising star? “Put God first, or the head of the universe first and foremost, always encamp yourself with positive people. Be able to listen and not get offended when given constructive criticism, it’s never good to have ‘yes men’ around you. Above all, you must believe in yourself and never let go of the prize as the journey will become challenging at times.” How would you like New Yorkers to basically brand you as an artist, as you are about to engage us in an acoustic live performance? “Wow, New York City, the capital market place for Jamaican artists in the United States! I would truly love for the residences and my fans in the North East or Tri-State to embrace me as the new, young, hip smoothing side of reggae music. ‘Christopher Martin’ the brand, the man who is real, who loves to entertain, and who gives nothing but his best.” While most of us plan to spend Christmas with family members and close friends, Christopher will be on tour. He will however celebrate Christmas early, buying gifts for family and close friends to show them how much he appreciates their support for the year, and many more years to come. On a more personal note I must chime in with my four senses. Christopher’s passion and commitment to giving back to emerging new acts, is a true inspiration from a new artist who is still building his career. So, with that said I encourage you to follow him on twitter @IAMCHRISMARTIN www.facebook.com/christophermartinja For media relations contact destinemedia00@gmail.com andd/or @destinemedia on twitter.

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‘When Dancehall was Nice’ A book that features the 1980’s decade in Dancehall with facts fitting for a University classroom,and a universal roundtable discussion for those seeking it’s essence. M A R L O N

R O W E

Two friends, two former DJs coming together, reflecting and sharing a vast knowledge of the 80’s Dancehall. Lenworth Lyttle, and Paul Thomas co-authored 270 pages of carefully crafted in depth information about the 1980’s days of Dancehall; giving readers an account of one aspect that represents Jamaica’s contribution to global music and entertainment. With a friendship which goes back many years, starting from Ferncourt High School in the parish of St. Ann, Jamaica, both authors have taken Dancehall back in time. Lyttle is actually from Alderton a small village in St. Ann, while Thomas hails from the neighboring district of Barrett Hall. Although both authors currently reside in New York, they have kept their ears glued to the emerging trend while living away from the roots of Dancehall. Writing this book brought back memories of a music genre in it’s truest form. Looking at what Dancehall has become, Lyttle and Thomas saw the need to publish a chronicle that breathes knowledge about a subject matter that is dear to their hearts. Why did you feel the need to write this project? “To give a reflection of what Dancehall was, in contrast to what it has become. Highlighting the differences of the 80’s where one considered Dancehall to be in it’s transformation stage and what was considered to be it best days.” In addition, the authors hope is that through awareness, Dancehall will return to a replica of the “good ole days” of the 80’s when “dancehall was nice”. Excerpt 1 If one can truly explain the term “Dancehall” with a simple meaning, the one phrase that truly gives due justice

and covers it all would be—“A WAY OF LIFE!” Dancehall is truly a way of life. It is a phenomenon that attracts a group of geographically disbursed people. Although it is sometimes seen as a negative offspring of reggae music, dancehall music has gained worldwide acceptance and has captured the hearts of people everywhere. Rooted in Jamaica West Indies as the entertainment of choice for the middle and lower class of people, dancehall music is considered a spin-off from “roots-rock reggae.” Possibly dating as far back as to the late 1960s but more organized and accepted in the 70s, the dancehall generation has progressively increased over the decades. As the popularity and the love for the Dancehall genre grew, it attracted more and more participants; that is artistes, sound systems, studios, promoters and even investors pouring money into the business. Thus dancehall has evolved into a way-of-life which includes, (1) Dancehall – the venue, (2) Dancehall - the music, (3) Dancehall - the business and (4) Dancehall – the Culture. Who is your target audience? “Anyone who is interested in Dancehall Music and truly desires to know about the culture and what real Dancehall business was about in its truest form”.

Excerpt 2

In the beginning of the 80s dancehall era, ninety percent (90%) of all sound systems had resident deejays entertaining the dancehall fans live-and-direct. But when all is said and done, most 80s deejays had to first ply their trade on a sound system before they were considered as being worthy for recoding by Studio Engineers. In the dancehall was the way for deejays to build their confidence and improve their performing skills. It also prepared them mentally to face the massive audiences at stage shows plus help them to prepare for the nerve rocking experience in the studio. As ace deejay Charlie Chaplin stated, “dancehall and studio a nuh the same.” What do you hope to accomplish with this book? “Bring back the positive side of Dancehall genre of the 80’s, and the life of Dancehall in it’s truest form throughout the world.” Excerpt 3 Another great dancehall vibes from the 80s, was that true rub-a-dub sound systems RARELY played deejay recordings when the dancehall was in full swing. If a deejay’s tune was an extraordinary piece, then it stood a chance of reaching the turntable. Deejay music in the dancehall was more likely to be played in the early dancehall period which sometimes referred to as the Early Juggling. With most true rub-a-dub sound systems the pattern was orderly: The Selector first chose the tune, then the deejay introduced it, and next the tune is played one or more times. The selector then flipped the record to the dub only side (version) and the deejays chanted to the beat of the riddim.

While some selectors arranged their vinyl by artistes, others had their collection arranged by riddims. Sometimes the order was switched from one tune played then the version, to play many tunes on the same riddim then the version. In Dancehall slang this was referred to as “Counteraction.” What is a personal favorite memory of Dancehall back in your days? “Sound System King Jammys Hi-Fi playing at Bumper Lawn in Ramble St. Ann. The open love for the music and desire for a deep rooted Dancehall movement.” Excerpt 4 With “dancehall so nice” and so many sound systems and venues to choose from, Kingston Jamaica, he HUB was

the place for the true dancehall experience. As one famous dancehall entertainer regularly quoted “Without the support of the people, dancehall business is nothing.” Even from the very beginning to the present,for the people of the reggae capital of the world, the “music speaks for the people and the people speaks through the music.” The people being the true DANCEHALL people!

Copies of ‘When Dancehall was Nice’ are available at www.reggaezon.com and in locations listed on the site.

www.reggaezon.com

now available on kindle and amazon!

Star Boy reveals the erotic fictional exploits of a teen-aged high school student,Tania Watson. Her daring behavior with Brian Lane lingers in her mind for years. These encounters, although inappropriate at that time, are certainly fun memories. A not so innocent rubbah dub dub, thrilled her experimental teenaged mind.

and coming soon...

part 3 of the 3 part series...Star Boy 3 Related Affairs author, Tilsa C. Wright takes ‘grown folks’ down memory lane as she delivers yet another erotically provocative literary achievement! Tilsa Wright is the publisher of two online media, Sym-Magazine and Sym-Caribbean. Related Affairs is Wright’s first novel, and is currently being adapted to a screenplay. www.facebook.com/starboybook Follow us on twitter @starboythebook Email starboy9776@yahoo.com