Big Talent Turn Out For Digicel Rising Stars ‘07

The producers of Digicel Rising Stars should be extremely pleased that the success of last years Digicel Rising Stars has had a positive impact on the would be stars that turned out for the first audition of the new season, in Ocho Rios last Saturday.

From as early as 6:00 am the aspiring stars turned up at the Island Village Shopping Centre, in search of that big break. Some of the usual suspects were missing from the first audition though by midday it became obvious that Jamaica was taking notes during last years show as the acts obviously prepared to walk the road to stardom.

For many persons like Duane Bascente, a resident of Portmore, the show symbolizes his quest to stardom. “I have been rehearsing everyday for the past year trying to perfect my craft, with the hope that I can make the top ten at one of the auditions,” he said. “I have prepared myself to go to all the auditions just in case I don’t make it at one venue. Nothing will stop me from realizing my dream.”

“Ocho Rios is usually one of our largest auditions because in the past three years we held the auditions in the third or fourth week and by then the momentum of the show would have picked up, so it was overwhelming to know we were able audition over 400 persons at this, our first audition.” Paula Pinnock-MacLeod, Digicel’s Marketing Projects Manager and the show’s Executive Producer.

The contestants in Ocho Rios impressed Nicole Desvignes, Series Producer for Trinidad and Tobago’s Digicel Rising Stars who along with her show’s director were at the auditions as guest of their Jamaican counterparts. “It was nothing short of phenomenonal to see the varying talent that Jamaicans possess. The contestants sang everything from Country & Western to R& B and did it with such ease,” she said. “We came to Jamaica to observe the audition with the view of incorporating some of Jamaica’s ideas in our show. The level of organization that goes into the production is remarkable, plus it helps when you have great talent as we saw in Ocho Rios.”

As Jamaica’s leading television programme Digicel Rising Stars has set the bar high for local television production. From memorable performances to excellent scripting and editing, the talent show has put Jamaican talent in the limelight both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. “We have invested a lot in the production of the show. It’s humbling to know it’s appreciated by our viewers,” said Claire Clarke-Grant, Marketing and Sales Manager, TVJ.
With Ocho Rios down auditions continue this Saturday, April 28 at Fayors Entertainment Centre, Mandeville; Saturday, May 5 at Neville Antonio Park, Port Antonio; Saturday, May 12 at Pier One, Montego Bay and Saturday, May 19 at The National Stadium, Kingston. The first show will be aired on Sunday, May 27 at 8 p.m. on Television Jamaica.

The winner of this year’s Digicel Rising Stars will receive a cash prize of $1 million, two singles produced and distributed by Green sleeves, a music video and $100,000 call credit courtesy of Digicel. The second place winner will receive $600,000, a single produced and distributed by Greensleeves, and $75,000 call credit courtesy of Digicel. Third place will receive cash of $400,000, a single produced and distributed by Greensleeves and $50,000 call credit courtesy of Digicel.

http://www.digiceljamaica.com/risingstars

Synergy TV now stronger than ever

by Karen L. Richardson

TORONTO-LIME.com exclusive interview with Synergy CEO, Peter C. Lewis

It is a small screen callaloo that leaves the sweet taste of Caribbean diversity sizzling on your tongue. Synergy TV is three years old, and it is stronger now than ever.

Trinidad’s only TV station committed to locally developed music programming first flooded the airwaves like a much needed downpour in March 2004. Since then, it has grown from a repetitive reel of primarily foreign-produced music videos, to a veritable benchmark for quality home-grown entertainment.

The thriving cable channel is the brainchild of former Xtatik frontline vocalist Peter C. Lewis. In decades past, Lewis was a member of the San Fernando vocal group Bread Boys, before recording his first hit Susanna with Atlantik. For Lewis, Synergy TV is a long-time dream finally become real. The visionary CEO says he has always believed that in regards to audio and video, one ought to accompany the other.

The word synergy means cooperative action. Drawing on insider experience as an artiste, combined with eight years as the owner of the film and television production house, Bread Boy Entertainment, Lewis’s career demonstrates some synergy of its own.

With songs like Tay Lay Lay, Gone Clear and Big Truck fading with the drunken memories of carnivals gone by, many have speculated that Lewis has kissed his singing days good-bye. “No, not really. [I could] never personally do that,” said Lewis “Every now and then I still run and jump up and do that kind of thing. You never really lose that. When de time is right I’ll do de live thing again.” In the meantime, he describes his relationship with his former band mates as ‘cool’, sharing that he recently returned with them from a trip to Jamaica carnival.

Synergy has become top priority. Lewis takes an active role in the operations at the studios on Tragarete Road in Port of Spain. Whether conceptualizing original show ideas or hosting Pete’s Picks on-location at home or abroad, Lewis is a necessary ingredient in the stew.

“To be honest I been missing the travelling with the band, but I travelling right now with Synergy. We’re trying to go a lot of places and do a lot of things,” said Lewis regarding current cost analyses underway to make the station available in North America via satellite. At present, only select Synergy programs are available in the United States on the Caribbean International Network in New York City.

One such program is season two of the wildly popular Synergy Soca Star. Similar to its US counterpart American Idol, Soca Star leaves the fate of talented hopefuls up to both the opinions of the viewing public and the judgment of industry professionals. The choice to limit the competition to soca music came easily for Lewis. “Trinidad is soca. We have soca artists who go out on the circuit. Is a big ting for us. I mean look at how people making a living out of it, living comfortable now. Soca is our ting. I can’t teach nobody how to be a reggae artist and even though reggae picking up in Trinidad now, it’s not our thing. Soca is we ting, so we have to deal with it from that perspective,” said Lewis.

Umi Marcano reigned supreme in season two, but Lewis says the real measure of the program’s success thus far is derived from season one. “We actually did make Fireball a star. He came to Toronto recently. That is the whole trick of it,” said Lewis. “You have to get these kids into the mainstream and ting. They have to be able to want it as well,” said Lewis. In June, the station hopes to create the same kind of buzz over the next Synergy Super Model.

Beyond developing new talent and beauty, it is clear that Lewis is committed to helping Caribbean culture as a whole penetrate the mainstream. Lewis, however, is not the only one vying for eyes in this pursuit. In 2006, multinational conglomerate Viacom introduced MTV Tempo to the list of cable options for Caribbean viewers. In the shadows of a broadcasting giant, Lewis’s wry optimism glows brightly.

“Someone could come with a next channel in the morning and people would watch that too. You hadda understand that you’re on cable and people will always want to watch something,” said Lewis “and competition is good, because it gets you into thinking and doing the things you have to do to always be on top. If it affected anything, it’s just in terms of making us be better at what we do.”

For more information on Synergy TV visit www.synergytv.net

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_synergy_tv.htm

St. Maarten Carnival 2007 ~ April 21st to May 5th, 2007

The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation puts high emphasis on its Grand Parade or Senior Carnival Parade, as being one of the most spectacular events of the entire carnival season as per street parades / jump-ups as this showcases the creativity in costume designs and dance from local participants as well as international participants. Carnival's Grand Parade is a unique multi-cultural event that celebrates the traditions of many countries and cultures around the world. The floats are spectacular, the music and costumes lavish and varied. Beautifully designed floats depict rich multi-cultural themes, and often feature performers that excite and entertain the crowds.

Over 12 troupes line the streets each with up to 300 members dancing in fantastic creative carnival costumes, while local musical artistes perform soca and calypso music for the revellers' entertainment as well as the onlookers.

The Grand Parade usually travels along the Bush Road towards Front Street and then to the Walter Nisbeth Road, through the streets of our capital, Philipsburg and culminates at the Carnival Village. Thousands of spectators line the streets and often get little gifts from sponsors of the Grand Parade who display their products as well. The event is covered by local and international mediahouses, where they explain the interpretation of these costumed revellers and participants in the English, Spanish as well as French languages. The Grand Carnival Parade can also be seen on local television as well.

St. Maarten Carnival 2007 Schedule of Events

Saturday, April 21, 2007
Opening of Carnival Village Jump-Up (8:00pm)
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Sunday, April 22, 2007
Children's Carnival Parade (1.00 PM)
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Monday, April 23, 2007
Senior Calypso Finals (9.00 PM)
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Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Youth Extravaganza (8.00 PM)
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Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Senior Roadmarch Competition (9.00 PM)
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Thursday, April 26, 2007
Reggae Concert: Morgan Heritage (9.00 PM)
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Friday, April 27, 2007
Local Band-O-Rama: From Us to you II (9.00 PM)
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Saturday, April 28, 2007
JOUVERT (4.00 AM)
Latin Concert: Revientan San Martin (9.00 PM)
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Sunday, April 29, 2007
Soca Explosion I : Maximus Dan, Kes The Band, Michelle Sylvester & Terry Seales (9.00 PM)
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Monday, April 30, 2007
Grand Carnival Parade (10.00 AM)
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Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Second Day Carnival Parade (2.00 PM)
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Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Zouk / Kompa Concert: Who's the Boss III (8.00 PM)
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Thursday, May 03, 2007
Reggae Concert: Buju Banton (8.00 PM)
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Friday, May 04, 2007
Culture Blend: Yung Joc, Mr. Vegas & Shadow (9.00 PM)
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Saturday, May 05, 2007
Last Lap Jump-Up (8.00 PM)
Burning of King Momo (12.00 AM)

http://www.stmaartencarnival.com/

2007 TURKS & CAICOS MUSIC AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES SUPERSTAR LINE UP

(GRAND TURK, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS—April 18th, 2007)... The countdown has begun for the 4th Annual Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival set to take place July 30th through August 6th. The excitement is beginning to build as this year’s Festival brings some of the world’s biggest international superstars to perform in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Mr. Don Gardiner, Chairman of the Tourist Board is sure that this year’s line-up will be the best ever. "We have worked hard to attract international superstars from a wide genre of music to come and perform at this year’s Festival. When you mix in the great cultural slate of events, including The Annual Miss Turks & Caicos beauty pageant, it becomes the must do event of the year in Turks and Caicos Islands and perhaps more importantly, becomes the anchor event in promoting Turks & Caicos as the premiere destination for international travellers".

The Annual Music and Cultural Festival fuses local music and culture with tinges of international flavour making this weeklong festival, the leading event for the Turks and Caicos. The 2007 Festival encompasses international superstars, great artists from Turks & Caicos, and musical legends from across the Caribbean.

Here is the star studded international musical line-up for this year’s Festival.
John Legend
Michael Bolton
India.Arie
Kenny Rogers
Freddie Jackson
Air Supply
The "Art of Soca" featuring David Rudder, Shadow and Kevin Lyttle

The special Caribbean music tribute entitled "The Art of Soca" will feature performances by Soca legends, performing hit after hit, in a gala event that will certainly stir up the passions of all in attendance. Additional international stars including surprise acts as well as the top Turks and Caicos performers are still to be added to the star-studded line-up.

Ralph Higgs, the Deputy Director of Tourism for the Turks & Caicos Islands is pleased with the diverse range of musical superstars set to perform at this year’s festival. "When you realize that you have Grammy award winners, international superstars that have sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide, current performers on top of the charts today, you understand that the Festival has something for all tastes. By diversifying the line-up we expect more people than ever to attend the Festival, attract more of our permanent residents, bring more visitors from overseas to travel and discover the Turks & Caicos, and include our beautiful country on their future vacation plans as well."

This year’s festival is being produced by TurnKey Productions, producers of several regional festivals including the annual Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, which celebrated its 10th year in January. Walter Elmore, the President of TurnKey productions is especially excited to be working on the Turks & Caicos Festival. "Turks & Caicos is a beautiful country with probably the most outstanding beaches and water I have ever seen. The ability to bring some wonderful performers to enjoy the destination put on a great show that everyone enjoys and takes pride and ownership in, is why we are working with the Tourist Board and helping stage this year’s event. I have no doubt that this year’s festival will generate tremendous excitement, not only here in Turks & Caicos, but overseas, and help bring additional visitors to this great destination".

The Annual Music and Cultural Festival put on by The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board was first introduced in October of 2003 at the Turtle Cove Marina in Providenciales and now boasts a following of over 8,000 people. The previous festivals have seen international acts such as, Shaggy, Steel Pulse, Ludacris, Maxi Priest, Chaka Khan, Boyz II Men, Ashanti, Fantasia to name a few. This year the event returns to the breathtaking backdrop of the Turtle Cove Marina, in Providenciales.

The 2007 Music and Cultural Festival will be widely advertised throughout the United States in the print media and on radio and television stations whose audience share the same demographics as those targeted by the destination.
Additionally, a full one-hour television show with highlights and footage of all concerts will be aired next year prior to the 2008 festival as well as the production of a CD-Rom to be used as part of the Tourist Board’s promotional collateral.

For more information on the Turks and Caicos Music and Cultural Festival, contact the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board at (649) 946-4970 or check out our website at www.turksandcaicostourism.com.

For more info visit: www.musicfestival.tc

Brian Lara retires after 17 record-breaking years

April 20 '07 - West Indies captain Brian Lara (the greatest batsman ever), shocked the cricket world when he announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of his team’s World Cup 2007 campaign. "I have given this extensive consideration. I just want everybody to know that on Saturday I am bidding farewell to international cricket as a player" said Lara, during a post-match press conference following his team's victory over Bangladesh on Thursday.

The 37 year old Lara, holds a string of world records in international cricket at the test and the first class level. These include the world record for most runs in a test match, which he broke twice. In 1994 he broke a 27-year-old record held by Bajan legend, Sir Garfield Sobers, with 375. The following year he scored 501 runs in a first class game in England. In 2004 he scored 400 runs not out to re-claim the record in test cricket (Australian Matthew Hayden scored 380 in 2003).

Careeer Highlights
1990: Debuts against Pakistan in a One Day International
1994: Breaks Sir Garry Sobers test record of 365 runs in posting 375.
1994: Scores 501 not out, and sets a new record for the highest number of runs in First Class cricket.
1997: Assumes the captaincy for the first time. He would go on to hold the position on two more occasions.
2003: Breaks Sir Viv Richard's record for the highest run scorer for the West Indies (8,540 runs)
2004: Reclaim his title (from Matthew Hayden) as the highest run scorer in a test match (400 not out), the only batsman to score that many runs in a single inning.
2005: Joins an elite club of batsmen to reach 11,000 runs in test cricket.

Stone Tower Establishes Tobago Reggae Sound

Music Studio Emerging As Independent Label With Unique Riddims

April 19, 2007 – Lambeau, Tobago… pioneering music studio Stone Tower has established a brand of distinctly Tobagonian reggae with a number of unique riddims that have succeeded in gaining time on radio airwaves.

Most noteworthy is the newest riddim, 4Ling Rain, released in March. Tracks featuring the riddim are Confusion, by Carter Lion, Right Next to Me, by Shotta D and Ghetto Rights, by Zebulun. Michael Skeete, president and producer at Stone Tower, describes the riddim as the product of evolution. “It originally started as a slow jam, but when we added certain instruments, it moved from there to hip hop, and finally the reggae riddim.” A fitting result, as Skeete and his wife Liselle envision their growing studio as the hub of development for a truly Tobagonian reggae sound. “We’re looking for a music that can teach and be a positive influence, music that can soothe the mind and keep people at a cool level, especially given the crime in the country presently,” Skeete said.

The production of these sounds with Tobagonian talent has Stone Tower emerging as its own independent label. As Trinidad made strong headway onto the Caribbean reggae scene with artists including Marlon Asher, Jah Melody and Queen Omega, the studio’s production team was inspired. Stone Tower created a parang riddim, Banjo, which was frequently played in songs on radio, specifically 105 FM and I95.5FM, and gained even more popularity when it aired on Radio Tambrin 92.7FM. Riding the Banjo riddim was soca parang king Scrunter and the esteemed Ken 'Professor' Philmore, along with Tobago artists, Fashion Police, Red Eye Rebels, B Vibes and Mad Cap.

Stone Tower will be releasing tracks with the studio’s new dancehall fusion riddim called Dance & Rock in June and a reggae riddim called Da Vibe which features the studio’s founding artists Shotta D and Carter Lion, who both share positive messages of love and unity in their music.

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_stone_tower.htm

ROYALTY PRESENTS MASQUERADE… Carnival in May - POINT FORTIN BOROUGH DAY J’OUVERT 2k7

Come borough day, Saturday 5th May, 2007, the band ROYALTY will hit the streets of Point Fortin for the J’ouvert competition with a spectacular presentation entitled MASQUERADE... Carnival in May.

The band features four sections designed to create a magnificent spectacle on the streets of Point Fortin in uniquely combined colours: fuschia pink and white, green and yellow, baby blue and royal blue, orange and black. Female masqueraders can choose vests or T-shirts combined with either poom poom shorts or cycle shorts in all sections except the fuschia pink and white section which is only available in bra top and poom poom shorts. Male masqueraders can choose to go bare chest in the fuschia pink and white section or opt for t-shirt with short pants or cycle shorts in the other sections.

The outfits range in prices from $250.00 to $300.00 for which masqueraders will enjoy free drinks, breakfast, bandanas and a pre-j’ouvert party at the mas camp. There will also be hampers and other prizes to be won. Also for those who wish to make a bold statement you have the choice of having your body painted.

Registration is currently taking place at ROYALTY mas camp located at 9th Street, Techier Village, Point Fortin. For further information on the band including registration you can call 1-868-748-2717 or 1-868-338-2675.

ROYALTY is the reigning Point Fortin Carnival band of the year champions having won on three consecutive occasions. The band also won the Carnival band of the year title in La Brea and placed 1st in the Original category at the San Fernando Carnival bands competition this year. ROYALTY also won the Point Fortin borough day j’ouvert competition in 2005 and placed 2nd in 2006.



http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_borough_day_royalty.htm

Caribbean Folk Performers promote Caribbean culture through music, dance and fitness with 'SOCASIZE'

Toronto, Wednesday April 18th, 2007 -- After almost 20 years of promoting Afro-Caribbean culture mainly through dance, the Caribbean Folk Performers (CFP) continue to strive toward creating new programs to benefit the community. Their latest addition to their already extensive repertoire includes a special fitness workshop called SOCASIZE™.

The new program is an exhilarating aerobics work-out combined with an Afro-Caribbean dance workshop and consists of aerobic and strength training, along with various dance movements to Soca music and African drumming.

To date CFP has hosted several workshops within the GTA and have attracted from individuals from all age groups and all walks of life, including many young professionals and students. SOCASIZE™ is an alternative to having to go to the gym three times a week. It's the equivalent to having a regular daily fifteen minute daily workout, but compressed into a one day 2 hour session." says CFP founder and artistic director Cheryl Findlay. "It is designed for individuals that do not have the time to exercise during the week or simply don't have the motivation to keep fit.

SOCASIZE™ workshops are held monthly (usually on a Sunday from 2-4pm) at various dance studios around the GTA.

About Caribbean Folk Performers
Caribbean Folk Performers is a Toronto based company of exciting dancers and musicians. Their beautifully costumed drummers and dancers constantly have audiences cheering for more. Specializing in Afro-Caribbean dance; including Limbo, Calypso, Shango, Sokou, Brakata, Bele, Pique and more, CFP continues to dazzle audience around the world with their famous 'Flaming Limbo' and 'Bottle Dances'. Founded in 1988 by Cheryl Findlay, Eddison Lindsay, Janice Dyer and Marlene Richardson, the company is committed to preserving and promoting traditional African and Indigenous Caribbean Culture through dance, music and drama.

For show bookings or classes please contact via e-mail: cfp1@rogers.com

For more information on upcoming workshops please contact:
Cheryl Findlay 416-560-2783
Ayanna Lee-Rivears (416) 728-5545
Tamara Alleyne-Gittens (647) 299-7427

www.myspace.com/caribbeanfolkperformers

'Sweet Sixteen' - Miss Queen of the Islands sashes sixteen beauties for inaugural pageant

Toronto, Saturday April 14th, 2007 - The committee for the 1st annual 'Miss Queen of the Islands' gave Toronto a preview of the 16 contestants competing at Jamaal Magloire's upcoming beauty pageant in June.

The pageant will be dominated by Trinidadian hopefuls (8), each representing several Trinidad regions (including Diego Martin, Couva, San Fernando, Princess Town, La Brea). Other island representives include Barbados, Antigua, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Kitts / Nevis, Jamaica and Grenada.

Contestants will compete in a number of categories, including swimwear, evening wear and a talent competition. The crowning winner will walk away with $2000 cash and a array of other prizes.

The crowning of 'Miss Queen of the Islands' takes place on June 23rd and contestants will also be making a guest appearance at Jamaal Magloire's CARIBANA bandlaunch at Shangri-La Banquet Hall in Markham on Saturday May 12th.

Originally slated to be hosted at the Grand Bacchus Banquet Centre, committee members have announced that the pageant will be moved to the Capitol Event Theatre, due to overwelming demand for tickets. Tickets for the 'Miss Queen of the Islands' pageant go on sale May 1st and will be $35.

For more information or to inquire about sponsorship opportunites, please call 416-797-8040 or visit www.MissQueenoftheIslands.ca.

CLICK HERE to view full photo set of the Sashing Ceremony

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_miss_queen_of_the_islands_sashing.htm

Calypso Dreams Do Come True

written by Karen L. Richardson

Toronto April 12, 2007 - Patience paid off handsomely for calypso lovers in Toronto last Thursday. Critically acclaimed film Calypso Dreams made its long-awaited Canadian premiere before a packed house at Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto. The elegantly constructed feature-length documentary examines the importance of the Calypso genre through the songs and stories of its most notable heroes from the Lord Kitchener to Lord Pretender.

Calypso Dreams was first screened for an audience in Trinidad in February 2004. In recognition of the film’s unique cultural positioning Murchison Brown, Mayor of Port of Spain declared a Calypso Dreams Week. Toronto waited three years for its first taste, due in part to a fierce battle with cancer that caused director Geoffrey Dunn to put promotion of the film on hold. Thursday’s screening was sponsored by the Caribbean Studies Program at the University of Toronto.

The evening featured a question and answer session with filmmaker Geoffrey Dunn, followed by guest performances by well-loved Calypsonians Brother Valentino and Lord Superior. “Calypso really finds its place out here in the international scene. I don’t know if in Trinidad we take this art form for granted, but out here; Canada, London, America, it’s highly appreciated,” said Emrold Phillip who shares on film that he was baptized “Brother Valentino” by the late Grand Master Lord Kitchener.

The story of Calypso Dreams began in 1986 when director Michael Horne returned to California after visiting Trinidad for Carnival. David Rudder was crowned Calypso Monarch for Bahia Girl and the Hammer, songs which earned him first and second place road march titles respectively. Horne shared his excitement with his friend Geoffrey Dunn and the plan for a film was set in motion. “Michael is a musician by nature; I’m a writer and a filmmaker. He saw the film as a concert. I wanted to include the narrative - the story. So it plays both as concert and as narrative and so my job was to figure out how to mesh those two together. I took a big piece of butcher paper one day and just started drawing out the outline for the film, in about two hours, the entire film was written just by brainstorming and moving pieces around,” said Dunn. “For me personally, apart from the inside stories and the scenes and everything. Artistically, that was the thing I’m proudest about in the film, structuring the film in a way that plays as a musical, and tells a story.”

The film expertly permeated the chambers of academia as a historical document, while reviving cultural nostalgia among the city’s Trinbagonian expatriates in a way never before seen. Throughout the screening, the audience spontaneously burst into song as they witnessed familiar favourites born again after years of obscurity.

American filmmakers Geoffrey Dunn and Michael Horne have successfully penetrated the Calypso fraternity, producing a work of sweetness only rivaled by the taste of roadside roti in St. James, Trinidad.

Such a feat would have been impossible without the trust and vision of the Trinidadian Calypso community. Both guest artistes of the premiere appear in Calypso Dreams, however, Andrew Marcano (Lord Superior) also played a key role in facilitating the production of the film and is credited as a co-producer. “You know they see this white kid coming down when I was younger saying ‘what’s this about?’ and same with my partner Michael Horne. We both developed real sincere relationships. Now, it’s ironic. We’re taken in and given the sort of inside story and embraced,” said Dunn. “Now Supie’s Vintage Brigade Camp that he puts on every year is now taken after the film. And so that’s part of our lives. It’s not separate anymore. Trinidad is part of my life now.”

Perhaps the most pervasive theme in Calypso Dreams is that of friendship. The interviewed artists speak openly of mutual respect and admiration. Mighty Sparrow, who acted as the film’s artistic consultant, credits Lord Melody for influencing his style. However, the camaraderie extends beyond the bounds of career. There is a tender moment when Mighty Bomber speaks of the generosity of Lord Kitchener who he says furnished him with both food and money in difficult times. Calypso Rose, the two-time road march queen describes her relationship with Sparrow as that of a brother and sister. For the Toronto audience such relationship echoes loudly.

In spite of the humorous and celebratory mood of Calypso Dreams, therein lies a certain sadness. Bookended with funerals, the film reminds viewers that the golden era of the music has passed. “It begins with Kitchener’s death and ends with Pretender’s death. It raises the question at the end, ‘where is calypso going?’ You know the scene with Supie in the cemetery raises that specter. Can it survive? And I don’t know the answer to that, I don’t,” said Dunn. Lord Superior was a little more hopeful. “It’s likely to have a renaissance of vintage Calypso as a result of this film. I think it’s going to go places and take us places and give us a wider audience throughout the universe,” said Marcano. Geoffrey Dunn is doing all that he can to make that happen. “The film’s gonna go international. There have been several distribution offers. There’s going to be a theatrical release, DVD, video release, television. There’s also a soundtrack CD. I’ve been actually asked to do a series, a thirteen part series based on all of our rough footage,” said Dunn.

Calypso Dreams will return to the city of Toronto on August 3, 2007 for an official launch at the Harbourfront Centre. The two-day event will feature performances by Singing Sandra, Black Stalin, Brother Valentino and Lord Superior as well as Canadian based calypso acts Kobotown and Macomere Fifi.

CLICK HERE for a VIDEO TRAILER of 'Calypso Dreams'

For updates please visit http://www.calypsodreams.com/

Big Names at Tobago Jazz Fest '07

The 3rd annual Plymouth Jazz Festival in Tobago will include international stars Elton John, Earth, Wind and Fire, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Al Green, Beres Hammond, Diana Ross, Mary J Blige, LL Cool J and Sean Paul. In addition, Trinidad-born singer Heather Headley is set to perform in her home country for the first time since becoming a TonyAward winner and Grammy nominee.

In its inaugural year (2005), the Tobago Jazz showcased Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, India.Arie, Babyface, Angie Stone, Najee and the O’Jays. In 2006, it featured Sting, Patti Labelle, Stevie Wonder, Vanessa Williams, and Johnny Gill. Local talents slated for the weekend also include Machel Montano HD, Destra Garcia, alongside several Tobago pannists.

The 2007 festival will take place at Fort James (Plymouth Recreational Field), overlooking Courland Bay, from April 27th to 29th. The weekend of activities will also offer Tobago delicacies, local crafts, traditional goat and crab races in Buccoo Village and several after-parties and all-inclusive fetes.

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_tobago_jazz_fest.htm

Jah Cure releases his new album 'True Reflection', before his prison release

Anticipating his release from Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Jamaica (July 2007), Jah Cure is set to release his new album 'True Reflection' in May with VP Records. The upcoming album will have a mix of his popular hits as well as new exclusive tracks.

After a 9-year prison term, Jah Cure is already slated for his first performance on August 26th at James Bond Beach in Jamaica, alongside Gyptian, I-Wayne, Richie Spice and others. Born in Montego Bay and raised in Kingston, Jah Cure became involved with reggae music as a teenager and rapidly rose to fame in the late '90s only to have his climb to the top halted by a jail sentence.

After a string of hits in 1997 (including a collaboration with Sizzla called 'King in the Jungle"', Cure's career came a halt in November of 1998 when he was arrested and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

While serving his sentence, was transferred from the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre to the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, which had a digital recording studio the inmates could use. It was there Cure recorded several new tracks, which would appear on his album 'Freedom Blues', released by VP records in 2005.

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_jah_cure_album_release.htm

The Legacy Continues: One on One with Kernal Roberts

By Karen L. Richardson

Woven deep into the cultural fabric of Trinidad and Tobago is the music of Aldwyn “Lord Kitchener” Roberts. A decade after the death of the foremost steelpan composer and roadmarch king of the seventies and eighties, his commitment to excellence in music survives in the life of his son, Kernal.

“It is only obvious that my life would end up in this direction,” said Roberts from Kitch’s home in Diego Martin, Trinidad. “All the time I was in school, I used to get in trouble always pounding the bench. Playing music in my father’s band, all de time I wanted to make my own music.”

Kernal Roberts does not make music. He makes hits. He is responsible for writing and composing Bonnie and Clyde, Fly and Max It Up for soca diva Destra Garcia. As the Musical Director for Machel Montano HD, Roberts now writes exclusively for Machel Montano and Patrice Roberts

“Any song that come outta my camp is gonna be a hit song and Machel, everyone, Patrice, we all dedicated to that rule right now,” said Roberts. “I’m not spreading myself out anymore. Those days are done.” According to Roberts, not even family can break his focus. His sister, who serves in the army, is a vocalist who sings with Glenn Washington. Kernal says he will not be writing songs for his sibling unless she is able to commit wholeheartedly to taking his creations to the top of the charts.

“I is like one of them horses and dem. Eye patch on de left and on de right. I can only see straight,” said Roberts of his passion to succeed.

“The creativity part of it is always up, to start. With me, 100%, 24/7 music always play in my head like a radio,” said Roberts. “I’ll be composing silently sometimes, driving, and be humming to myself and I know the finished product just by listening to my brain. I go into deep meditation. I look for the theme, the concept, then you look for beautiful lyrics to embrace all of this.”

After 'Band of D Year' secured a roadmarch title for Patrice Roberts and Machel Montano in 2006, song-writer Kernal Roberts made plans to do it again.

In 2007, all eyes turned to the Machel Montano HD camp with the release of a down-tempo groovy song written by Machel Montano himself.

“It’s like every car you pass you hear [One More Time], every radio station, every corner, every bar, every club. It just took over the whole of Trinidad and Tobago,” said Roberts in praise of his close friend and colleague.

After the pace had been set, Roberts fueled his band with instant favourites like Higher Than High, Light It Up, and Down D Road. His method proved to be the right formula for carnival madness when the spirit of Jumbie possessed an entire nation.

“It’s carnival week and we’re on our way to winning our second roadmarch and it’s like there’s nobody behind us. Like we running by ourselves in de race,” said Roberts. Little did he know Jumbie would become the unofficial soundtrack to Carnival Tuesday, leaving all competition in the dust with 388 plays. Kernal’s second roadmarch victory in as many years was ushered in by an historically unparalleled margin. Shurwayne Winchester’s Open the Gate simple could not keep pace by comparison. The official first-runner up was heard a measly 34 times on the road. For the son of a ten-time roadmarch legend, making history was never an option.

“I knew I wasn’t going to pop down my life or turn to drugs or go on the streets to be misguided by friends or led astray and go to no pipe dreams,” said Roberts. “I didn’t put my head up in the clouds, hoping and praying to write a hit song or to join somebody band. I went on a straight, focused path, knowing that I had a legacy to upkeep for my father, and a legacy of my own to build.”

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_kernal_roberts_one_on_one.htm



2006 International Soca Award Winner ~ 'Favorite Soca Info Website'

Your Caribbean Girl: One on One with Nadia Batson

Written by Karen L. Richardson

She knows the soca industry inside and out. From the studio to the stage, she’s been there, she’s done that – and she does it all well. For the last 15 years, Trinidad’s music insiders have known a secret the public is only now beginning to discover. A highly sought after background vocalist named Nadia Batson, may soon take centre stage as the nation’s next soca queen.

Her time is now. In 2007, Batson is continuing to make her mark on Trinidad carnival as a performer. February began with an enviable first place finish in the bMobile International Power Soca Monarch Semi-Finals competition for “My Land” featuring Kees Diefenthaller. In the same night she placed second in the Groovy Soca category for her unifying melody “Caribbean Girl.” Nadia first heard the news from a journalist calling for a comment while she was driving home. “Well, let me tell yuh, I coulda run off de road, eh. It was really amazing!” said Batson.

Last season was Batson’s first appearance in the soca monarch finals. Her zouk-infused anthem, “One Island” earned her an impressive fourth place finish. “It was already so chaotic last year with me being in just one category, I can just imagine being in the two! So right now, I’m working my butt off trying to make sure conceptually that we have a really strong show.”

Batson is a dynamic performer in her own right, fusing talent and charisma to command the crowd rather than scandalous clothing and overt sexuality. However, until recently Nadia’s best known contributions to Caribbean music were for work down behind the scenes.

Batson was named “2006 Songwriter of the Year” by the Copyright Organization of Trinidad and Tobago. She has written songs for fellow Trini artists including two-time Jr. Soca Monarch Young Marcel, Rita Jones, Terry Seales, Michelle Sylvester and Trini Jacobs. That’s just where the list begins. Outside of Trinidad, Nadia the songwriter achieved unprecedented success in 2006. Batson’s composition, “Flames” won top honours for Barry Chandler of the band Jabae, clinching both the Party Monarch and Road March titles. “Expose” earned first runner-up for Tizzy of El A Kru in Party Monarch and placed third for Road March in Antigua.

“I’m sort of like in drop jaw mode where the writing is concerned because for me it was a hobby for many years. I really didn’t take my writing seriously. It wasn’t something that I had planned to make a lucrative career out of,” says Batson. “Singing is my first love. It has always been. It will always be first.” Naturally, the artiste is thrilled to be receiving recognition for that now.

In the past, Batson has lent her voice to provide background vocals for artistes such as Machel Montano, KMC and Bunji Garlin. In view of her current level of success it is a wonder she did not assume the limelight sooner.

“I’ve been recording songs. They weren’t getting much airplay. I guess when it’s your time, it’s your time.” said Batson, “I honestly don’t think that either physically or mentally I was really prepared for the spotlight or for such hard work because at that time for me everything just seemed to be really glamorous.”

Much has changed since then. Batson has become her own competition. The female lead singer of Kes the Band and member of the Big Artiste Crew wrote four songs still vying for a soca monarch title. Besides the tunes Nadia will perform at the finals, she also penned “Dutty” for Blaxx and “Flames” for Barry Chandler.

“It’s not so much about the competition, it’s about putting on a fabulous show, trying to wow de people,” said Batson. “I am out to kick ass!”

For more information on Nadia Batson, visit www.myspace.com/nadiabatson

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_nadia_one_on_one.htm

Spreading the Love at home and abroad ~ Interview with Mr. Slaughter

By Karen L. Richardson (March '07)

With soca in his veins, Derek Pereira is no stranger to the musical mosaic of Trinidad and Tobago. The 30-year-old son of a parang star has flirted with every corner of the Caribbean nation’s music industry. His induction into the soca fraternity was made official in 2001 when he burst onto the scene as an artiste with a song called Millenium Wine.

For six years Mr. Slaughter somehow managed to stay afloat without ever having competed for the soca monarch crown. In interviews he publicly maintained that he was not interested in competitions. In 2007, all that changed.

“I was blessed with a strong, supportive team behind me throughout the year. It was actually them. They were like, “yo Dawg E., you need to go on the main stage. I think that’s what would be able to put you over to the next level,” said the first time finalist. He says his hit song was inspired by the tragic loss of many friends and acquaintances over the years.

“It used to always have me so sad that I decided to write a song about it, and that’s why I wrote Spread the Love.” That song is actually bigger than it seems, because it’s not just about spreading the love in terms of different countries. It’s spreading the love for home, because what starts home ends abroad.”

Slaughter says he thoroughly enjoyed performing to a packed house at Hasley Crawford Stadium in February. “I must say it was a very good experience. I was even telling a friend of mine, if I knew it was going to be like that, I would have done it a minute ago.”

For Mr. Slaughter, gaining broad acceptance as a performer in Trinidad has been anything but easy. “The biggest challenge is not having a band, and not having a superior network in terms of publicists and ray ray, rah rah,” said Slaughter listing soca artists and their respective bands and entertainment companies. “Out of all the years, I believe this year, I finally started to make and impression as an artist. Because what used to happen is, I would do things I thought they wanted from me. An elder in the business (Chris “Tambu” Herbert) told me that you have to be happy with yourself first and then they gonna accept you for who you are and that’s what I started to do, more than ever.”

And Mr. Slaughter is many things; father, artiste, co-producer, writer and dj. Behind the scenes, he wrote A Cry for Peace for two-time Calypso Monarch, Singing Sandra. As a radio personality at 96.1, he popularized his dj crew, X-caliber Disco nationally and internationally. He would eventually take both his sound system and his listeners with him to the newer Red 96.7 FM. The move meant hard times getting airplay on his old station. Never-the-less, his music still made it to the ears of his fans.

“What was really amazing to me was all the songs that I made last year that they did not play were all of the songs that I used to intro this year. Like when I sang Up in Dat, oh my goodness! It was stupid!” said Mr. Slaughter.

With three albums under his belt, no one can deny that Mr. Slaughter means business. He etches songs into the collective consciousness with his rich bassy voice. Songs like Carnival (I Love You), from the debut album “Bound to Represent” and Trample and Done the Party from his sophomore offering “Living Legend” capture the ceaseless energy of carnival and pride of the Trinbagonian people. Mr. Slaughter’s third album “Port of Spain” was launched on Tuesday, March 7 at the Woodford Café in Trinidad.

Challenges at home have never prevented Mr. Slaughter from taking his show on the road. He tours the UK, Canada and the US annually. In 2006, he toured Japan twice visiting five cities performing as both an artiste and a dj.

“X-caliber plays a paramount role in my life, because it was like the stepping stage for me. That was the stepping stage for me to come out and do my thing, so I can never be ungrateful to it,” said Mr. Slaughter. Going forward, Mr. Slaughter is hesitant to say what comes next. None-the-less, he is confident that his patience will continue to pay off.

“Me, I fill the gap of, at some point in time you’re gonna have an itch. When you get that itch, I’m a be right there to scratch it. That’s the difference with me, I will wait. I’m gonna wait for that magical moment and just say ‘RAH!’ (growling)” .


Mr Slaughter performing at his album launch inside Woodford Cafe (Tuesday March 6th)

For more information on Mr. Slaughter and his upcoming tour dates visit www.MrSlaughter.com

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_slaughter_interview.htm

New Band TRIBAL KNIGHTS Makes Playing Mas Affordable for Families

March 9 '07, Toronto– There’s a new mas band in town committed to reducing the cost of mas for parents of young children. Bandleaders Dexter Seusahai and Godfrey Wickham are uniting to bring 14 years of experience in costume building and event promotions, at home and abroad, to the annual Caribana Parade of the Bands, and King and Queen Show. TRIBAL KNIGHTS has announced its decision to provide costumes in its children’s section free of charge for youngsters under 12.

This powerful alliance represents a unique combination of creative and organizational expertise. The unstoppable duo has joined forces to make TRIBAL KNIGHTS the band to beat in 2007. Seusahai’s costumes for King, Queen, Male Individual and Junior Queen have won an impressive six first-place titles for Callaloo Mas Camp and Louis Saldenah Mas K Club. The inaugural presentation of TRIBAL KNIGHTS consists of seven delightfully colourful sections to be launched on Saturday, May 12 at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre (185 Yorkland Boulevard, Toronto.)

Dexter Seusahai is one of Toronto’s leading mas men. His award-winning costumes have decorated the streets and stages of Toronto, the Caymen Islands and Hong Kong. Seusahai entered the world of mas as the chef for Louis Saldenah Mas K Club, before making his biggest impact as a secret weapon costume builder for Saldenah and Callaloo. Where he goes, awards and recognition follow. Dexter’s deep love for the traditional arts of his native Trinidad and Tobago, and indeed the entire Caribbean, is evident in his attention to detail. TRIBAL KNIGHTS and its commitment to families is a key element to his long-term aspiration to establish a school of Caribbean cultural arts in Toronto. The entire TRIBAL KNIGHTS team is excited about proactively passing on the torch of mas to future generations.

Godfrey Wickham has shared his expertise in the entertainment industry for 14 years. The founder of the IslandVybz Entertainment began his public relations career promoting the Everton Soccer Club, before working alongside Trini South Boys. Through IslandVybz, Wickham has produced events in Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, New York and Toronto. Over the last four years, his passion for Caribbean culture led him to making mas, contributing to the efforts of Callaloo (Toronto) and Poison (Trinidad).

TRIBAL KNIGHTS invites you to a new era in masquerade. Join a winning team this Caribana.
Join Tribal Knights!

Official Band Launching:
Saturday, May 12, 2007
The Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre
185 Yorkland Blvd10 p.m.

More Information and Media Inquiries:
416 396 3780
http://www.tribalknights.com/