On The Scene: Sean Paul, Estelle, Rihanna, Nicky B, Ayeola, marie-claire, Malik Yoba, Trina, Konshens, Darrio

Malik Yoba getting some island love in Antigua.....


Click HERE to see more pics of your fav celebs On The Scene!

Event:Clint and Benji Gemini Affair at Krazy Koconuts

Wanye Benjamin (Mr. Benji N2O)and Clint Henderson were born on the 10th and 13th of June respectively. They want YOU to come to Krazy Koconuts in Dominica tomorrow night to celebrate their birthdays. Performing on stage will be Triple K Band International (of which Benji is a lead singer), Esclav and Colton T. DJs on the 1s and 2s are Mr. Mystic, and DJ Midian, with host Kairi FM's DJ Halo Boy. I'm definitely gonna be in the house...Hope to see you there!



Check out this funny video Yohan AKA Puskey of Esclav Band, did to promote the show....

Bolt's track is complete!

On Friday the official handing over ceremony of Usain Bolt’s Reugopol track by BSW Regupol Sports Floors took place at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus . The track is almost an exact replica of the one on which he broke the 100 meter record in Berlin last year and similar also to the 2008 Olympic track in Bejing where he catapulted to super stardom.

Usain making his entrace to the ceremony.

Photo source


UWI Principal Prof. Gordon Shirley holding a piece of the track donated by Ulf Poeppe of BSW.
Photo source


The blue and white eight-lane track is located to the north of the university's other main sporting facilities, namely, its four football fields, the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground, three tennis courts, a swimming pool and an indoor court. The university intends to create a Sporting Centre of Excellence, similar to that of the Australian Sports Academy.
The next phase of planned developments include a 6,000-seat mini-stadium with lighting, a football academy - in partnership with the Jamaica Football Federation - and a Caribbean Institute of Sports Medicine.

Ulf Poeppe, Prof. Gordon Shirley, Minister Babsy Grange and Usain take front row on stage.

Photo source

Usain Bolt and yours truly:-)

Photo source



Minister of Sports, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, who along with Bolt, UWI principal, Professor Gordon Shirley. Shirley, DSW’s Ulf Poeppe, IAAF regional representative, Neville 'Teddy' McCook, UWI director of sports, Grace Jackson, and Bolt's coach, Glen Mills were all on hand for the official ribbon cutting. Many notables in the sports world were present including FIFA reps, Adidas Reps, Puma, Courtney Walsh, Racers Track team members were present as well.

Minister Grange, Prof. Shirley and Usain Bolt along with Racers Track Members in the inaugural run!
Photo source

I must mention Captain Horace Burrell (Head of Jamaica's Football Federation) who arrived via helicopter in the middle of Professor Shirley's speech. That was entertaining to say the least. Usain's Coach gave a very entertaining speech. It was full of gratitude and sincerity but most of all light-hearted and filled with humour. One thing that was missing from the festivities, was recognition was not paid to the UWI Students who have been living next door to this construction zone. As a resident on Rex Nettleford Hall, it has not been easy dealing with all the dust, so a show of appreciation would have gone a long way. We do see the big picture though, and I am sure most if not all UWI students are happy for this addition.

On The Scene: Zoe, Dania, Mel B, Mamayashi, Ayeola, Ky-Mani

I had such a fun time interviewing Mamayashi for my Stars on the Rise Feature. Look out for it on the 20 Questions Tab real soon!


Meantime, check out some more pics of celebs out and about by clicking HERE!

WOMANBITION 2010 word, power, sound-mission accomplished!

Today, Monday May 8th is International Women's Day and for some enthused and generous patrons in the courtyard of Star Apples Restaurant in Kingston Jamaica it could not have started on a more positive note. They were attending WOMANBITION: Word, Sound Power-It’s a Mission”, a concert organized by influential women in Jamaican entertainment with proceeds going to two well-deserved charities. As guests mingled, sat in the yard sampling the delicious fare from Star Apple or sauntered over to the bar, they were kept entertained by Tricia Spence AKA ZJ Sparks (Naw wah, I mean--lol) of Zip FM.

Tricia "ZJ Sparks" Spence

Ayeola and Nelly Stharre

The night’s event was for a serious cause and Ms. Enid Courtney took the stage to speak about the contributions that the U.N.I.A nurses Corp has been making throughout communities on the island such as performing routine blood pressure checks; and offering alternative forms of medicine such as yoga and reflexology. “The wealth of a nation depends on the health of a nation,” said Ms. Courtney. Sentiments echoed by the capacity crowd. Ms. Nadia Williams of Mary’s Child took the stand to speak about the pregnant girls that are under her stewardship. At the Kingston location, there are 8 babies with 4 on the way, while in Montego Bay there are 2 with 4 on the way as well. The girls at the facilities range in age from 12-18 and are victims of rape, incest and or carnal abuse. The girls learn skills in the various centers at the facility: IT, cosmetology, home economics and sewing.

Jessica Yap and Etana

The first performance I saw was Jessica Yap who played “Don’t Worry” by Bob Marley and “Wrong Address” by Etana. The songstress, popularly known as “The Strong One’ was visibly moved and shared her sentiments with Jessica. After that instrumental performance came some of Jamaica’s top female vocalists, who shared stories of strength and inspiration with the crowd, with special focus on the girls from Mary’s House. Mary Isaacs performed “Don't Stay Away” by the Skatalites while serenading a very bashful guest on stage. For her encore performance she gave the crowd a taste of Bob Marley's "Nice Time". Keteis Ayunde started off with Miriam Makeba's "Pata Pata" her second song "In The Name of Life" was dedicated to the memory of her nephew who died from Leukemia. A moment of silence was observed in honor of the life of Ras Junior Manning, Chairman of the Ethio-African Diaspora Millennium Union Council, who passed earlier in the day.

Alaine

The multi-talented, host, TV personality and entrepreneur Empress performed some original renditions. She has the most beautiful skin-flawless! Alaine started off her set with “Rise In Love”she also advised the young ladies to get their education as that is something that can never be taken away. She also sang ”Deeper”and an acapella rendition of "The Lords’ Prayer" before closing with "No Ordinary Love”.

Perched on a chair with guitar in hand, Etana sang "Wrong Address" and wow does the crowd love her, they were singing word for word. "Roots" and ”I am Not Afraid” were well received as well. She got the enthusiastic crowd to repeat: ”independent,” “powerful,” ”mi love miself," "real wit it”-definitly capitalizing on the evening's theme. But the most poignant moment of the evening came when she sang her latest song "Free." Etana became so overcome with emotion, she had to turn her back to the crowd. For a moment she could not speak. She eventually told the encouraging crowd that she touched one of the girls and felt nothing-that she was empty. Speaking to the young girls from Mary’s House, Etana said that she wished she could give them her strength, but she gives them her music, her prayers. She said her tears were falling into the earth, going to place that are untouchable. She encouraged these children to believe in their prayers and that the Most High loves them "Just the same.” She told them that everything in Earth is theirs "You no have to sell your soul, sell your heart, sleep wit no body, beat nobody. You going to get it. Some don’t know what to do with it and they think they are better than others. Never you do it. God will take it away. Bad mindedness will bring you into the earth, Mother earth will swallow you. She cited the recent earthquakes around the earth and the unusually cold weather as signs from mother earth. "Everything is possible if you believe it." She finished her song.

When she got on stage Tanya Stephens stated that “Etana take way mi legs dem” referring to the preceding performance. “Mek Dem Talk" was her first song. She also sang a song written for people with HIV called “I’m Still Alive” and implored persons to work together to solve the problem from wherever they were. Now Tanya is known for some tongue-in-cheek lyrics and I think she effortlessly lightened the mood. With songs like “Home Alone (What Would You Do) she said you might have to promise a man bun if he's not attentive to your needs. Like children, if something doesn't work one has to try new methods, don't? Well ladies Tanya says in same way "Your manh ah yuh child so you have fi raise him, right." LOL . She sang favorites like "These Streets" and "It's A Pity" accompanied by the receptive crowd. I love how Tanya Stephens can say things that are so unconventional with a sweet smile and we just cyaan mad at her for that. Like when she jokingly stated how selfish it is of the woman who "finds one good man in a 100 mile radius and doh waan fi share: You wretch!" Oh Tanya how we love you, and your take on relationships.

Gotta give props to D'Angel who interacted with the girls from Mary's home who walked her onto the stage, and even did some impromptu dancing to her song "Blaze." Lady G wrapped up the night's performances with "Breeze Off" and "Nuff Respect"

Earlier performances came from Jah 9, Kai Wakling, Sharon Tucker, Sajoya, Nelly Stharre, and poet Natural Cherry

Though they did not take the stage other female entertainers and personalities such as Una Morgan, Barbee, Kim-Marie Spence and Dr. Carolyn Cooper were present and accounted for. And the men lent their support as well. Photographer Alty Benjamin Jr, singer Protoje, and Charles Campbell Chairman of Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA)-who visited to the stage on more than one occasion to drop money, were observed enjoying the performances.

Alty Benjamin Jr. and Kim-Marie Spence

I was definitely pleased that I attended this very worthwhile event. Kudos to the organisers Denise "Isis" Miller (who was the night's MC), Keteis, Nadia Stanley, Empress and Nelly Stharre. All artists performed free of charge. ZJ Sparks and ZJ Elektra as well as the all female security lent their services for free as well.

Sponsors for the event included: Calabash Heights International, Nature's Eyes, Rassis International, Pleasuremakers Sound & Equipment, Livity Veggie Meals, Stanley and empress Boutique, Star Apple Restaurant, Simiyah House, Mekyah Water, King Alarm, SecurePro Security and Sling Shot Productions (lighting)

Enjoy the clip of the performances and scenes!




2010 International Women's Day theme is "Equal rights equal opportunity progress for all". For more information click HERE!

Quad was on and popping on Saturday!

My girl Barbi and I hit up Quad nightclub in New Kingston on Saturday night and waw I must EXCLAIM! That was one of my most fun nights since arriving in Jamaica. I don't know if it was because it was a break in my long hours of studying ( I only stayed two hours, unlike some people who had to close down de place, eh Barbi...lol), whatever it was, I was happy for it



Big up to the DJs who kept the hits coming on both floors: Coppershot, DJ Shine, DJ Charm, DJ Charisma. Big ups also to house DJ-DJ Kevin.

I will definitely be back. Gotta say thanks Barbi!

Damon Dash visits Sizzla's Judgement YardIT was early last week that Sizzla Kalonji received the call that hip hop mogul Damon Dash was in the island

I met Damon Dash at Jamaica Jazz and Blues and immediately knew that he would be seeing Sizzla if he hadn't already. After all Sizzla was on his record label. Here's a clip from Jamaica Observer about Dash's visit to Sizzla's Judgement Yard which is just down the road from my hall of residence at UWI. Hopefully I will land there next week for the Niabinghi event carded for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

From Jamaica Observer:
IT was early last week that Sizzla Kalonji received the call that hip hop mogul Damon Dash was in the island and needed to make that link. "Naturally, I opened up my house to him," the Rastafarian artiste told Splash, in reference to his August Town-based studio/house, known as Judgement Yard.

"I have invited Damon to come to Jamaica on several occasions... I told him he should think of buying houses here, do some kind of investment in the island. After all, this is Jamaica and we are about music and playing our part in helping out the suffering people in our community..."

Sizzla and Damon Dash hangs out at Judgement Yard. (Photo: Lionel Rookwood)
"I couldn't come to Jamaica without seeing Sizzla," Dash interjected, adding that he had a lot of respect for Sizzla both as an artiste and on a personal level. "And I'm here to build on that positive energy," the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records (with Jay-Z and Kareem 'Biggs' Burke) declared.

The two go back musically and there is some history, but Dash's visit to the island wasn't really about music or any contract signing with the deejay, although they are currently in production for a music video for Sizzla's soon-to-be-released single, Children Suffering. His Jamaican sojourn comes under the topic "other business".

Dash, now that he has finally made the Jamaican connection, says he is enthralled by what he has seen, and his mission here is many and varied. Think documentaries, music videos and establishing a television network here in Jamaica.

"The wind blew me here," Dash said with a boyish smile, but he wasn't trying to be funny. "I pride myself on being an innovator and I want to come here first... before everybody else catches on and realises that Jamaica is the place to be," he said.



Damon Dash and Ayeola at Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival 2010 (Photo credit: Fern elise-foster)

"I have a lot of ideas that involve harnessing the synergy between sports and music. We want to do everybody -- from Bob Marley to Lennox Lewis to Usain Bolt. It's all about Jamaica," explained Dash, who brought along an entire film crew and a female rock star as part of his entourage. He was also involved in filming the recently concluded Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in Trelawny as this will form some of the content for his television network.

Read More at Jamaica Observer site

Dominica's Convent High School celebrates is 152nd Anniversary

I'm sure you've heard of the news
It's Convent High School's anniversay
One hundred and fifty-two years ago
The first school bell rang in the country

The mother superior was there
and Bishop Vesque I declare
somethiiing, something at the first Convent school
Folks gathered to wonder and cheer
Folks gathered to wonder and cheer

It's CHS anniversry
We're proud of it's mighty history
From six girls to a thousand and over we're sure
It's CHS anniversary!

OMG people believe it or not, I am writing this with tears in my eyes. Happy tears though, as I reminisce on my years at Dominica's leading secondary school (haters back off) Convent High School. I remember anniversary celebrations where we had to go to Cathedral for mass, I felt so proud walking from the school in my uniform. Of course we edited the anniversary song and added ooh-oohs and changed intonations all in good fun! Yesterday was the 152nd anniversary and I just want to congratulate past and current students who are a part of this long and prestigious history.


These pics are from the 150th anniversary parade in 2008. I was at the 2nd one held during Reunion/Independence (there was a much bigger one during Carnival). It was soo much fun. Past students including then Minister of Community Development Lorren Bannis was marching. My mom made my uniform and I even put ribbons in my hair, though funny enough I don't ever think I wore ribbons at school.

Here'a a part of the school song. A song for strong leaders who continue to represent for CHS and Dominica. Scientists, lawyers, teachers, business women, Bloggers (wink, wink), DJs, mothers, even the Caribbeans first female Prime Minister, and Dominica's current speaker of the house passed through the halls of CHS.

Lamp of Knowledge, Wisdom, Virtue
Light of hope and faith and love
We will follow your wise guidings
Sure that effort conquers all

Convent High School youth
We our islands pride
We the leaders of tommorow
One in mind, and heart, and hand
One in mind, and heart and land
True to church, to home and land
True to church to home and land

Big up Sir Peters! Hottest male teahcer at Convent EVER!!!!!!

oh and past students who want to join CHS mailing list click HERE

Happy New Year from The Lime!!!!!!!

Tan-tan-da-ddaaaaaa! It's here guys! Welcome to 2010!

First and foremost I want to thank God for bringing me into this new year, I want to thank my family and friends for their love and support especially my brother Omari Lockhart AKA 5.8 and my mom Jacinta Bannis. Thanks to everyone who reads this site and continue to compliment me on the content.
Blogging takes up ALOT of my time and there are times I just want to quit. And then I go online and look for Caribbean entertainment news and shit is just all over the place. Then I think if I am this fustrated then I bet there are others just like me, so of course being the Taurus that I am, I like to help -and so I keep on posting.

This is going to be my first year blogging as a non-working university student so please show some love and donate to the site. I would love to make some upgrades in the coming months. This year I plan on posting interviews on a weekly basis, so look out for that. And I want to make a more concerted effort to report more entertaiment news from islands such as Grenada, St. vincent and St. Lucia. My original goal with this blog was to show that Caribbean Entertainment is not just Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados. Dominica you know I represent for you 100 percent. I just wish Dominican artists would take advantage of my natural bias towards you guys and send me more info/pics what have you. We'll see how this year goes.

Friends, just be safe this year, and try to improve on 2009. I have the same personal resolution I have every year but this year I am not even gonna really focus on it. I am just gonna live one day at a time and things will work out.

And artists stop the beefing, especially the women. Just when the fellas dem stop den?