Vision Newspaper - Issue 02 - 2016

DOUBLE AWARD WINNING COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

February 1st - 14th 2016

THE TRIALS OF BLACK MEN

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STORY ON PAGE 6

Looking ahead with John Legend: Grammys, movies and a baby >>page 10

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US Police to probe officer who shot naked, ALL CREDIT TYPES APPROVED unarmed black man >> page 2 www.checklistautosales.ca Advertisment

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News

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The Caribbean

Dominican Republic confirms 10 Zika cases

country.

Official: Haiti presidential runoff will be postponed

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic _ Health officials in the Dominican Republic say 10 cases of the Zika virus have been confirmed in the

Health Minister Altagracia Guzman said Saturday blood samples from 27 patients were sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and that 10 came back positive. The mosquito-borne virus has spread from Brazil throughout Central and South American and the Caribbean over the last year.

Brazilian authorities blame it for a wave of birth defects. While international experts say the link isn’t yet proven, they’re taking precautions.

The CDC issued a warning this month for pregnant women about travel throughout much of Latin America and the Caribbean. Dominican officials are urging women to take precautions and have launched a fumigation and cleanup drive to eradicate mosquito-breeding areas.

The Associated Press

Jamaica advises women to delay pregnancy due to Zika virus

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti _ The spokesman for Haiti's electoral council says that a much-criticized presidential runoff election will be postponed for a second time.

Roudy Stanley Penn tells The Associated Press that the Provisional Electoral Council has agreed to postpone the presidential and legislative runoffs that had already been set.

Officials say they’re auditing the Guyana Revenue Authority.

Ex-commissioner Kurshid Sattaur denied the allegations on Saturday and said that administration that took power last May has been pressuring him to rehire people fired for corruption and to hire political favourites.

The Associated Press

Algeria raises alarm over Moroccans crossing toward Libya

The Associated Press

ALGIERS, Algeria _ Algeria’s government is raising the alarm over what it describes as a large influx of Moroccans crossing its territory to reach Libya.

Without offering numbers, the Algerian state news agency reported Saturday that the country’s minister in charge of North African affairs had met earlier with the Moroccan ambassador to report the unusual number of people crossing from the Casablanca area in recent weeks.

Islamic State has been increasing its calls for Muslims to join its extremists in the lawless parts of Libya, and Moroccans in general make up an unusually large number of its recruits.

Algeria told the ambassador that Moroccans who head to Libya without documentation will be sent home.

The Associated Press

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe returns home

The DeKalb County Police Department will begin its own administrative investigation to determine what action, if any, it should take against Olsen, department spokesman Maj. Stephen Fore said in an email on Jan 22nd.

Olsen was released from jail on $110,200 bond, sheriff's office spokeswoman Cynthia Williams said.

Dalley said Monday in a statement that pregnant women should take extra precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana _ Guyana’s government has fired its head tax collector, accusing him of releasing confidential taxpayer information, falsifying pension plan documents and maintaining a fleet of government vehicles at his home.

There has been growing concern that a flawed runoff would push Haiti to the edge of tumult, rolling back a decade of relative political stability and putting the brakes on foreign investment.

with mental health problems.

But Health Minister Horace Dalley says it’s just a matter of time before the dengue-like virus makes it to the island. It is already confirmed in nearby Haiti.

Guyana fires veteran national tax chief

Haitian officials have been trying to negotiate a solution to the country's election crisis. One of two presidential candidates has been boycotting the runoff and declined to campaign.

US police to probe officer who shot naked, unarmed black man

The island has not even recorded any cases of Zika, which is spreading in the Americas and is suspected of causing over 3,500 babies to be born with brain damage in Brazil.

The Associated Press

The World

Penn did not immediately provide any other specifics , saying a news conference would be held later.

KINGSTON, Jamaica _ Jamaica’s health minister is advising women to delay plans to become pregnant for the next six to 12 months due to the mosquito-borne Zika virus.

Growing evidence links Zika to microcephaly, a rare condition in which newborns have smaller than normal heads and their brains do not develop properly.

February 1st - 14th 2016

DECATUR, Georgia _ Police say they will investigate a white Atlanta-area officer who shot a naked, unarmed, mentally ill black veteran and has been indicted on felony murder and other charges.

Officer Robert Olsen fatally shot Anthony Hill on March 9 while responding to a call of a naked man behaving erratically outside an apartment complex. Olsen was indicted Thursday January 21st 2016 Tensions between police and minorities have risen across the U.S. after a series of shootings mostly involving white law enforcement officers and unarmed African-American males. Critics in Hill's case, including his family, have focused more on his mental health and whether force should have been used because he was unarmed.

The family of the 27-year-old Hill says he was a U.S. Air Force veteran who struggled

Olsen's attorney, Don Samuel, said they are disappointed in the grand jury's decision, but he noted the defence was not allowed to present any witnesses, experts or evidence and was not allowed to challenge any of the prosecution's evidence.

Georgia law allows police officers to be present during grand jury proceedings when they are being accused of crimes in the course of their official duties and to make a statement at the end of the proceedings that the prosecution cannot question or challenge. Samuel said Olsen spoke before the grand jury for about 20 minutes.

Hill's family in November filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the DeKalb County Police Department, Olsen, the county and its board of commissioners.

HARARE, Zimbabwe _ Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe arrived home from a weeks-long vacation looking sprightly, quashing rumours that he had a heart attack.

A video published by the state-owned Herald newspaper showed the 91-year-old president joking with ministers, military leaders and senior members of the ruling ZANU-PF party welcoming him at Harare International Airport.

Mugabe held talks with visiting Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang on Saturday. A government statement said the two presidents are meeting before an African Union summit. Mugabe is the chairman of the organization of African states.

Earlier this month, a website reported that Mugabe suffered a heart attack while on vacation in the Far East. The Zimbabwean government dismissed the rumour.

Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980. Rumors and speculation of his ill-health are common.

The Associated Press (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

The Associated Press

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News

February 1st - 14th 2016

S. African mayor awards scholarships to virgin women

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International community appeals for dialogue, calm in Haiti President Michel Martelly.

we don't agree with is giving bursaries for virginity,'' said chairman for the Commission for Gender Equality Mfanozelwe Shozi. “There is an issue around discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, virginity and even against boys. This is going too far.''

JOHANNESBURG _ A South African mayor has awarded college scholarships to 16 young women for remaining virgins to encourage others to be “pure and focus on school,'' her spokesman said Sunday.

The scholarship was introduced this year and has been awarded to young women from the Uthukela district in the eastern KwaZulu-Natal province, mayoral spokesman Jabulani Mkhonza said. Each year the mayor's office awards scholarships to more than 100 promising high school and university students from the area, he said.

The young women who applied for the scholarships voluntarily stayed virgins

and agreed to have regular virginity tests to keep their funding, Uthukela Mayor Dudu Mazibuko told South African talk radio station 702.

“To us, it's just to say thank you for keeping yourself and you can still keep yourself for the next three years until you get your degree or certificate,'' Mazibuko said.

The grants will be renewed “as long as the child can produce a certificate that she is still a virgin,'' she said. The scholarships focus on young women because they are more vulnerable to exploitation, teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, she said.

“I think the intentions of the mayor are great but what

“He cannot stay a second longer,'' said Frantzo Nepha, an unemployed 24-year-old.

Virginity testing is not against South Africa's constitution but it is essential that it is done with consent, said Shozi.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti _ The international community is appealling for dialogue and calm in Haiti after a presidential and legislative runoff was put on hold indefinitely.

Some activists have called for the banning of virginity testing in South Africa, describing it as sexist and invasive. Those defending the cultural practice say it preserves tradition and has been modernized to teach girls about their reproductive health and HIV and AIDS.

The United Nations, international election observers and foreign governments urged the volatile Caribbean country's feuding political actors to negotiate a solution to an electoral impasse that threatens to soon become a constitutional crisis.

By Lynsey Chutel THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ___ Follow Lynsey Chutel on twitter at www.twitter.com/lynseychutel

Haiti's charter requires a new government to take power Feb. 7, but election authorities say there is now no chance the country will meet that deadline to pick the next president. It is unclear whether an interim government will be set up, or another solution may be reached.

In a statement, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Haitians to work toward “peaceful completion of

the electoral process without delay.''

Government officials have not addressed the impasse publicly since the Provisional Electoral Council postponed the runoff a second time without naming a new date for the vote.

The council cited what it called a “deteriorating security environment'' to explain its decision, but there has also been widespread opposition to the vote on the part of civil society. The opposition presidential candidate had promised to boycott the runoff.

A day after protesters set fires and smashed windows, a few thousand anti-government demonstrators again took to the streets of Port-au-Prince.

Young men threw rocks and lit tire barricades on fire downtown, sending black smoke billowing into the air.

Many called for new elections and the immediate removal of

Ruling party candidate Jovenel Moise said he was mystified that electoral authorities would again postpone the runoff without immediately providing a new date. The vote was originally supposed to be held Dec. 27.

Moise, whose top finish in the first round prompted allegations of vote-rigging, told reporters he was believes he is the people's choice and called for the runoff to be held soon and peacefully.

“Our generation has a responsibility to show other countries in the world that we are a civilized nation,'' he said.

Many Haitians are exasperated by the political infighting and disruptive protests.

“It seems like politicians want to drag the Haitian people backward,'' said Karine Fenelon, as she picked out oranges at a roadside fruit stall.

By David McFadden THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Community

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UNITY CHARITY and Tangerine Launch Free Youth Drop-In Community Programs them grow these efforts.”

UNITY Charity is proud to host eight weekly community programs across the GTA with free drop-ins teaching hip-hop art forms to youth, in partnership with Tangerine. UNITY offers drop-in programs in Toronto, Scarborough and Mississauga with all elements of hip-hop that focus on building skills through peer-to-peer mentorship and artistic performance.

“When we first heard UNITY was expanding its community programs, we wanted to get behind them and lend our support,” said Peter Aceto, President and CEO of Tangerine. “Over the years we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact their programs have on local youth, so we’re thrilled to expand our partnership to help

UNITY Charity empowers Canadian youth 10-18 years of age to be role models and leaders in their communities through after school and community programs in break dancing, graffiti art, spoken word poetry and beat boxing. The community drop-in programs for the 2016 season will include topics such as MC and Turntable foundations, the basics of break dancing and beat boxing battles, musicality, physical wellness, and cultural context.

"We are so excited to be expanding UNITY's community programs to create more accessible arts programming across our city and safe spaces for youth in the critical hours after school," said Michael Prosserman, Founder and Executive Director of UNITY Charity. "These programs meet

February 1st - 14th 2016

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Sony Centre for Only Three Performances!

youth where they are at, while providing opportunities for youth to express their stress in a safe, positive and encouraging space almost every day of the week."

UNITY Charity engages and empowers youth to make better choices as leaders, mentors and positive community role models leading to more productive citizens, safer schools, and healthier communities.

Founded in 2007 by Michael Prosserman aka “Bboy Piecez”, one of Toronto’s most preeminent B-boys, UNITY has reached over 100,000 youth across Canada using powerful messaging integrated with urban art forms to engage students and ultimately inspire them to find their voice amongst their peers and their community when dealing with issues such as bullying, violence, school life and cultural issues.

For program dates and times please check www.unitycharity.com/ weekly-events or contact Damien Nelson, FLIP Publicity, 416.533.7710, damien@flip-publicity.com

Beloved as one of the world’s most popular dance companies, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform in Toronto for three performances only on March 4 and 5 at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. Alvin Ailey’s pioneering legacy of uplifting, uniting, and celebrating the human spirit lives on as the company’s extraordinary dancers bring a wide array of premieres, new productions and classics to life.

Following their well-received performances at Fall for Dance North in September, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, returns to the Sony Centre as part of their 2016 North American tour to present two distinctive programs showcasing their brilliant artistry and passionate spirit.

Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto’s first Performing Arts Centre, has played a defining role in the cultural life of Toronto for more than 50 years. Today, the Sony Centre is home to a roster of national and international artists that reflect the diversity and sophistication of 21st century Toronto. In addition, the Sony Centre is dedicated to developing Toronto’s younger audiences through family programming, workshops targeted towards school-aged audiences, an under-30 membership program, and other community initiatives.

Tickets range from $69 to $99 and can be purchased by:Phone: 1-855-872-SONY (7669) Online: www.sonycentre.ca or at the Box Office: 1 Front Street East Discounts available for groups of eight or more. Call 647-438-5559, 1-866-447-7849 or visit www.thegrouptixcompany.com/

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Community

February 1st - 14th 2016

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What ’s On

Events

Family & Children

Redemption

Pell-The Only in your Dreams Tour

Tracy Morgan

A Tribute To:

Aretha Franklin

Disney: Dare to Dream

Venue: The New A1 Complex 108 Peter St Toronto, ON

Venue: MOD Club Theatre

Venue: The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor Windsor, ON

Venue: Opera House 735 Queen St E Toronto, On

Venue : The Colosseum At Caesars Windsor , ON

Date: Febuary 6th, 2016

Date: Febuary 6th, 2016

Date: Febuary 13th, 2016

Venue: First Ontario Centre, Hamilton, ON Date: March 17, 2016

Toronto, ON Date: Febuary 4th,2016

Date: Febuary 5th, 2016

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic

Venue: Evergreen Brick Works 550 Bayview Avenue Toronto, ON Date: December 29th, 2015 to August 31st , 2016

Nailers

Classified

Dave Chappel

Bryson Tiller

The Godfather Live In Concert

Black History Month 20th Anniversary

Kids Fest Toronto

Venue: Living Arts Center

Venue: The Phoneix Concert Theatre

Mississauga, ON Date: Febuary 26th, 2016

Toronto, ON

Venue: The Phoneix Concert Theatre Toronto, ON

Venue: Ajax Convention Center Ajax, ON Date: Febuary 20th, 2016

Guelph Concert Theatre

Date: Febuary 9th, 2016

Date: Febuary 29th, 2016

Venue: Sony Center for performing arts Toronto, ON Date: Febuary 20th, 2016

Venue: International Centre 6900 Airport Road

Date: Febuary 13th, 2016

Venue: The Danforth Music Hall 147 Danforth Ave Toronto, ON

Febuary 11th, 2016

Mississauga, ON Date:

Febuary 13th,2016 to Febuary 15

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community

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February 1st - 14th 2016

The Trials of Black Men pig in a jacuzzi of its own doing. Why we are so pig-headed, only heaven knows? We cannot allow our sexual prowess or apparent insatiable desire for sex and or matters sexual rule our better judgement.

In short our pricks cannot be more endowed than our brains.

Bill Cosby Blacks in a white dominated society ought to be on their best behavior.

There are documented cases, however, of known revolutionaries who have been taken down and it begs the question, was it because of their color or was it in any way self-inflicted? Apparently, their ambitions were seen as a threat to the status quo and to misguided individuals whose only purpose in life is to tear down those who are either successful or try to break the invisible ceiling by choosing a course of hitherto uncharted waters.

eventually charged and convicted for mail fraud.

Malcolm X was destroyed, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated by unknown plotters. Kobe Bryant was trapped … he got away from the hunter’s snare.

Tiger Woods was brought down by a white woman he married. OJ Simpson was charged for murder, beat the charges, but was later trapped for racketeering, etc. The current imbroglio in which Chris Gayle has found himself is another example of us not being on guard at all times. To use a cricketing term “he has been caught in the

One cannot say too much about Bill Cosby’s innocence or guilt at this stage.

Anyone can make allegations which, when tested, prove to be false, malicious and without foundation or merit. This distinct possibility should not be ruled out or discounted.

Let us bear in mind that these matters are or may soon be subjudice … and as such let the law run its course. If justice is colour blind then we have nothing to fear. We dare not fail to keep an open mind. It would be unfair for us to not allow the brother to be denied a fair trial.

We just need to be circumspect as we seem to be judged by different stanMartin Luther King Jr. slips”. We seem not to learn dards if we have a certain pigmentation, race or from from other’s misfortunes, We have seen too many mistakes, or examples. To a certain social class. examples in the USA of say we are accident prone Police Excesses prominent blacks taken … is so evident that even down by either the CIA, FBI the legally blind can see We have seen the events or a white-controlled methrough that fact. of Ferguson, Missouri, dia. Marcus Garvey’s Black Chicago police atrocities Star Line concept/empire We seem to mess up and against blacks, Rodney was infiltrated and he was wallow in it more than a

King beatings … another black man as victim, and the list goes on. Sex seem not to matter as our black sisters are also targeted. They are beaten, shot and are preyed upon or sexually assaulted by white depraved men. As a black race we have always been treated as the under class. Even when we get educated and have broken through the invisible ceiling and climb to the top there are those determined to drag us down.

birth certificate, he never apologized publicly for his gaffes.

Well documented is the treatment of Obama

by Donald Trump and the scant regard paid to Obama Care … the president’s Healthcare Plan by a bad minded if not racially motivated Republican Senate and HOUSE. Their motivation is as risky trying to read tea leaves.

They even came up with a Tea Party Movement to destroy the Democratic Party.

mediately comes to mind.

Donald Trump never failed to trumpet the nonsense that Obama was not born in America and as such is not an American. This would disqualify Obama from being President of the USA. Even when presented with irrefutable evidence of a valid

Criminal charges may not be morally correct especially if it contains juicy allegations, but such are not convictions. There is no need for us to roll over and play dead. We must stand up and fight to regain our self-respect. The nuts will always try their thing and will stop at nothing to achieve even their immoral ends. Donald Trump im-

Multiculturalist I am multicultural … the colour of a person’s skin is neither here nor there to me. It is their contribution to nation building and racial harmony that really matters. I support interracial marriages, mixed race schools … and no form of racial segregation.

Let us wise up brothers … as Garvey reminds us “up you mighty race” we can achieve whatever we want despite the odds.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie, is the senior International Correspondent & photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada. .

Obama: AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez) Bill Cosby (Photo by Victoria Will/ Invision/AP, File)

Music

February 1st - 14th 2016

Kirk Diamond and Derrick Morgan, 2 Generations of Reggae to Conquer with New Single

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Four Time Juno Winner “Exco Levi” Collaborates With Konsequence Muzik Group

a musical dream.

MPR Consulting - Juno Award Nominee Kirk Diamond has teamed up with legendary reggae icon Derrick Morgan on "Conqueror".

The lead single from Kirk's upcoming 2016 untitled EP. Kirk who is well known for his penchant for old school dancehall and reggae, has candidly admitted to being influenced by the likes of Supercat and Jacob Miller and has tried to keep the essence in his various singles. Working on a project with a reggae legend is the culmination of

music such as Desmond Dekker, Bob Marley, and Speaking on the song, Kirk Jimmy Cliff among others. explained,"The duet was an The reggae crooner known honor for me to do. A lot of for such classic, “Tougher people my age or younger Than Tough”, “Do the Beng may not know who Derrick Beng”, “Conquering Ruler”, Morgan is or even be familiar became the only artist in the with his music so this was a 60’s to ever to fill the places way for me to at least reinfrom one to seven on the troduce him to my supportJamaican pop chart simultaers. It's an original song for neously. those who may not know his 1967 version. I used parts of Retiring for the limelight his verses as a chorus while I because of health reasons, wrote and sang my verses."

Derrick Morgan musical legacy continues on for newer He further added, "The generations through remixes song is about conquering such as “Conqueror”, and the fears of fighting for what “Tougher Than Tough” who you want. Knowing it won't was featured in the video be easy to achieve your goals game Scarface: The World is but still be willing to fight Yours. and conquering while reDistributed by digital maining true to yourself." giants 21st Hapilos Digital,

True Colours Riddim easily took its place as Canada’s top riddim compilation for 2015. The buzzing compilation continues to grow, with the project reaching markets outside of Canada and Jamaica. Due to the riddims high demand, Konsequence Muzik Group has been selectively adding new talents to the production, adding momentum for the Canadian market and abroad.

Making his mark in Jamaican popular music, Derrick Morgan has worked with some of the biggest names in reggae

With the labels focus being on the Canadian Market right now, the label announced their newest

Kirk Diamond and Derrick Morgan “Conqueror” is available on all major online stores such as iTunes.

edition to the True Colours riddim.

Joining the team, welcome Canadian artist and 4 time Juno Winner, “Exco Levi”. This in addition to their new Canadian team (which includes Montreal based P.R Boutique, Empowerment Media Group and Toronto’s Entertainment House, Rebel Vibez) the label is bound to accomplish their goal.

Mr. Peart, owner of the label and his team also announced their Studio opening earlier this week.

The studio is now open to the public and available for Studio Recordings, Mixing & Mastering, Riddim/ Beat composition, Dubplate and Commercial services.

Empowerment Media Group THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power

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Music

8

February 1st - 14th 2016

Mariah Carey engaged to Australian billionaire James Packer

billionaire James Packer.

NEW YORK (AP) _ Mariah Carey's new “Vision of Love'' is Australian

The singer's representative said that Carey and Packer got engaged in New York City in January.

The marriage will be Carey's third. She was

NBA-ALL-STARCELEBRITIES

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Drake and Kevin Hart will be the coaches for the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. Drake will coach Team Canada and his players include Win Butler of Arcade Fire, Drew and Jonathan Scott of “Property Brothers,'' tennis player Milos Raonic, actor-singer Kris Wu and NBA TV analyst Rick Fox. Hart's Team USA will include Anthony Anderson of “blackish,'' ''Creed” star Michael B. Jordan, Bryshere ''Yazz” Gray of ''Empire” and ''America's Got Talent” host Nick Cannon. The game is February 12th in Toronto

50 CENT - APPEALS COURT NEW YORK (AP) _ 50 Cent has won an appeal concerning a dispute over his song “I Get Money.'' An appeals court in New York agreed with a judge who rejected a copyright lawsuit filed by rapper Young Caliber against 50 Cent on the grounds that it was filed too late. It said Young Caliber brought his lawsuit after the three-year statute of limitations had expired. Young Caliber had sought unspecified damages because he said he bought the exclusive rights to a beat in 2006 that was used in “I Get Money'' in 2007. 50 Cent's attorney says the ruling vindicates his client. Young Caliber's lawyer did not return a message seeking comment.

MOS DEF MUST FACE CHARGES OF USING “WORLD PASSPORT'' TO LEAVE SOUTH AFRICA

JOHANNESBURG (AP) _ What is a “world passport'' and why is Mos Def stuck in South Africa?

Mos Def must appear in court in South Africa for using an unrecognized “world passport'' in trying to leave the country and for helping his family overstay their visitors' visas. They have lived

in South Africa since 2013. Mos Def's passport was issued by the World Service Authority, the administrative branch of the World Government of World Citizens, a group based in Washington and founded in 1953. South Africa does not recognize that passport. Mos Def had used an American passport to enter South Africa 10 times. Mos Def left a voice recording on Kanye West's website rapping, “I committed no crime. Why is the state wasting my time?

JOHN LEGEND & JUANES PLAY FOR DETAINEES IN ARIZONA

ELOY, Ariz. (AP) _ John Legend and Colombian musician Juanes (WAH'-nes) played a show recently for people who they were not sure could even hear them. They played outside a jail in Eloy, Arizona, where undocumented immigrants were being held. Legend and Juanes performed on a flatbed truck and sang two of their own

songs and one song together, Bob Marley's “Redemption Song.'' Their intention was for the detainees to hear the music.

However, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement it kept inmates in their cells because of concerns “an unsanctioned concert'' within view of the recreation yard might provoke a disturbance. Legend told the crowd of about 100 outside the jail that they were there to bear witness to what's happening so they can tell the world about it.

Legend and Juanes toured the facility before the concert and spoke to the detainees.

previously married to actor-comedian Nick Cannon and record executive Tommy Mottola.

Forbes says 48-year-old Packer's net worth is $3.5 billion. He was ranked fourth on the publication's 2015 list of Australia's richest people.

Packer has three kids. The 45-year-old Carey gave birth to twins in 2011.

Carey's hits include “Vision of Love,'' ''We Belong Togethe” and ''Hero.”

Packer is the son of late Australian media baron Kerry Packer and is one of that country's leading casino executives

JOHN LEGEND TAKES FIRST SPEAKING ROLE IN A MOVIE

NEW YORK (AP) _ John Legend will play a musician in the upcoming film “La La Land,'' and he doesn't play a piano player. Legend had to learn guitar for the role. It's not his first time in a movie, because he was in “Soul Men,'' but he didn't speak in that film. This time he has lines. Legend says it was a real education for him because he had to learn dialogue and to improvise with Ryan Gosling.

BEYONCE - SUPER BOWL NEW YORK (AP) _ Beyonce is returning to the Super Bowl. Pepsi confirms to The Associated Press that Beyonce will perform during the Super Bowl 50 halftime show February 7th, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Last month, it was announced that Coldplay would perform. Beyonce headlined the 2013 Pepsi Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans at the Superdome, where she was joined by her Destiny Child's bandmates, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Beyonce and Coldplay recently collaborated on the band's new album, “A Head Full of Dreams.''

February 1st - 14th 2016

Music

Rapper Young Dro arrested on a drug charge in Atlanta

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Ishawna scores with School Gal

Former rap mogul Suge Knight gets new lawyers in murder case

to possess Xanax without a prescription.

Dro's real name is D'Juan Montreal Hart.

ATLANTA _ Police say rapper Young Dro has been arrested on a drug charge at Atlanta's international airport.

Clayton County Police Department spokeswoman Charlene Watson-Fraser says Young Dro was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Fraser says officers found a pill and a half of Xanax during a search after learning the 37-year-old rapper was wanted for a traffic offence. It's illegal

Police Sgt. Ashanti Marbury says Hart has been charged with possession of a conLOS ANGELES _ Former trolled substance.

In March, Hart was arrested on a theft charge in DeKalb County.

The rapper is known for several of his street anthems including, “We in Da City,'' ''Shoulder Lean`` and ''FDB.” Last year, he released his fourth album, ''Da Reality Show,” through T.I.'s label Grand Hustle Records.

rap music mogul Marion “Suge'' Knight has a new lawyer in a murder case filed after Knight ran over two men in a parking lot last year in Compton, California.

Attorney Stephen Schwartz has replaced Thomas Mesereau, who won an acquittal for Michael Jackson on child molestation charges.

The move came Thursday January 21st after a closed session proceeding.

Mesereau declined comment on the change.

Knight has repeatedly shuffled his legal team, and Schwartz is the fifth lawyer to represent him in the case. Attorney Thaddeus Culpepper, who has been part of the case since May, will remain on Knight's legal team.

Knight has pleaded not guilty and claimed self-defence after he was seen on security video running over two men last February, killing one and seriously injuring the other.

The Associated Press (Irfan Khan, Los Angeles Times, Pool, via AP, File)

Dancehall artist Ishawna has made a big impression with her latest single School Gal. The song is on point as she chants about some of today's school girls.

The wantonness, the waywardness, the 'force ripe' behavior has all been captured in her latest release.

"Little pickney Nowadays cyaa wait fi graduate left school, and start stay out late, grow big and start go pon date..."

The song has already racked up over twenty thousand hits on YouTube and counting.

This charismatic female is now available for bookings worldwide with Adrian Donsome Hanson now being her international booking agent for all shows outside Jamaica.

For booking Inquiries Please Contact Donsome Booking Agency Cal: 914-522-1529 Email: donsomebookingagency@ gmail.com

Upcoming Albums

Rootz Warrior Warrior King Reggae recording artist Warrior king is set to release a brand new album titled Rootz Warrior. The album contains 15 tracks and is set to be released on Febuary, 2016.

Love Herb & Reggae Taj Weekes & Adowa’s Jatta Records is proud to announce the release date for Taj Weekes and Adowa’s much anticipated fifth album.

Love Herb & Reggae is slated for release in February 2016 through VPAL, the distribution arm of VP Records

www.Vision-newspaper.ca www.Tajweeks.com

Warning

Views from the Six Drake

Reggae recording artist Gregory Issacs is set to release a album titled Warning. The album contains 10 tracks and is set to be released on Febuary, 2016.

The anxiety of the fans has started causing rumors that there are some websites which have already leaked the album online. It is unclear how some websites got their hands on the album. We are yet to receive any form of confirmation that there indeed has been a leak. As of yet, we have no confirmation of a leaked album, The video review shared by Daily Rap suggested that something might be coming our way on Jan. 6, but it has been over two weeks since the date and no album release. Drake has been suspiciously tight lipped about the album’s release as well. Oh well, we can only wait some more till we get any further alerts about when we can listen to ‘Views From The 6’.

Gregory Issacs

www.thebitbag.com

Entertainment

10

February 1st - 14th 2016

Looking ahead with John Legend: Grammys, Gosling and a baby ___ SPEAKING OF MENTORS Legend, who worked as a mentor with the AXE Collective at the South by Southwest music festival last year, is partnering with the company for its new campaign, “Find Your Magic.'' It will give young musicians and filmmakers a chance to collaborate with the singer by submitting video of a film or music performance to AXE's website.

Though he's between albums, Legend is still burning up the charts, thanks to Meghan Trainor. (They share the same manager.)

Their duet, “Like I'm Gonna Lose You,'' released in June, is still in the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. And Legend didn't write the song _ a rarity for the respected songwriter.

“I tend to sing my own songs because I love to write songs and I feel like I know how to write for myself more than other people, but when Meghan sent it to me, I was like, 'Wow, this song is beautiful. I'd love to do it.' And that's really all it took,'' Legend said.

“It's all about ... expressing who you are as an individual creatively, showing your unique voice and hopefully we'll give the best folks the opportunity to be seen by a larger audience and heard,'' Legend “I really respect her as a songwriter said. and an artist,'' he said of the “All About That Bass'' performer. ____ NEW YORK _ John Legend is his own worst enemy at next month's Grammy Awards.

The singer is nominated twice for best rap/sung collaboration for his Oscar-winning hit “Glory'' alongside Common and “One Man Can Change the World,'' a collaboration with Kanye West and Big Sean.

“It's kind of hard ... I don't know how to even think about it,'' Legend said.

he said.

SPEAKING OF FILMS

____

In addition to best rap/sung collaboration, Legend is nominated for best rap song and song written for visual media for “Glory,'' from the film “Selma.''

Legend, who had a nonspeaking role in 2008's “Soul Men,'' will finally get to speak _ and sing _ in the upcoming Hollywood musical film “La La Land,'' starring Gosling and Emma Stone.

ALL ABOUT THAT BABY

As for picking which of his songs should win the Grammy, he says, “hopefully people vote for the song they think is the best and we'll see who wins.''

A win for the collaboration with West and Big Sean would give West, who has four nominations this year, his 22nd gramophone.

In a recent interview with The Associated Press, the 37-year-old performer talked about his new film with Ryan Gosling, writing ___ new music, fatherhood and the Grammys, to be held Feb. 15 in Los SPEAKING OF KANYE Angeles. ____ GRAMMY FAMILY Legend, who has won nine Grammys, is grateful for the four nominations he received this year.

“You can't bank on the Grammys because every year is different, there's a lot of people voting (and) there's a lot of great competition,''

Like other music fans, Legend is anticipating West's upcoming album, ”Swish.''

“I was in the studio with him about a year ago, but he's done so much probably since then that I have no idea where it is now,'' he said of his longtime mentor and collaborator.

“I'm like another fan. I'm just excited to hear how it comes out!''

“It was comfortable because most of my scenes were in settings I'm used to being in as a musician, but having to learn dialogue and improvise and play off of Ryan a lot, it was really an education for me,'' said Legend, who learned to play the guitar for the role.

More acting and production is on the horizon for Legend with his production house, Get Lifted Film Co. “We have a new TV series coming out in March called 'Underground' (on WGN America). We were part of the production team for 'La La Land.' We've also executive-produced a documentary on HBO called 'Southern Rites,''' he said. ____ TAKING A BACKSEAT

Despite his projects _ from music to film _ Legend has a bigger priority coming soon: fatherhood.

His wife, model Chrissy Teigen, is pregnant with their first child, a girl, due later this year.

“It's never going to be completely easy, but I think she's taken it in stride and we're enjoying it, and we're excited to welcome our new little girl to the world,'' Legend said.

He said fatherhood and marriage is spilling over to the music he's writing for his upcoming album.

“Just trying to make an album that encompasses all that I am,'' he said.

By Mesfin Fekadu THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ____ Online: http://www.johnlegend.com/ ___ (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

film

Sept 24th - Oct 7th, 2015

11

Raptors coach says entire squad helped Kyle Lowry make all star game again Casey said two possible allstar selections should empower the rest of his squad.

“It should give us some confidence to know that those other guys helped them get that,'' Casey said.

TORONTO _ On a day when individual excellence was being celebrated, Toronto Raptors coach Dwane Casey was preaching team success.

While praising Kyle Lowry for his second straight trip as a starter to the NBA all-star game, Casey made a point of talking up his point guard's supporting cast.

DeMar DeRozan, Lowry's backcourt partner, could be added when the lineups for the Feb. 14 game in Toronto are fleshed out by the league's coaches.

“They allowed them to play.

They supported them. They were teammates. They set screens for them. They spaced. They made passes to them. They received passes from them. So without those other guys in the locker-room, they couldn't have made it ... It takes all 15 guys in the locker-room to do it.''

will keep lobbying for DeRozan to make the all-star game.

The Toronto coach praised the 29-year-old Lowry, who came to Toronto in a 2012 trade from Houston, for his hard work, tenacity and heart.

“He wasn't an all-star when he first got here but he's made himself into an all-star,'' Casey said.

Casey also pointed to Toronto's improved play in recent years as helping raise Lowry's profile.

“If we're bottom of the barrel, he's not an all-star probably,'' he said. “No matter how many points you score, there's a lot of guys below that line that are not all-stars ... There's a lot of talented players in the NBA but they're not winners.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard.

Vince Carter (2000-04) and Chris Bosh (2007-08) are the only other Raptors all-star starters.

Lowry, who was averaging career highs in points (20.9), rebounds (5.0) and steals (2.29) going into Friday's game, thanked the fans for their support.

“I love our fans, man ... It's awesome that they can come together and do something like that,'' he said.

The late balloting surge elevated Lowry into the starting lineup with 646,441 votes.

Wade, named an all-star for the 12th time in 13 seasons, was the top Eastern vote-getter among “I think that's what differentiates guards with 941,466. the all-stars versus some of the Cleveland's Kyrie Irving, whose guys who are putting up big season has been disrupted by numbers.'' injury, had 580,651 ahead of Chicago's Jimmy Butler with Lowry agreed.

Lowry will be joined in the Eastern starting lineup by Miami's 564,637 and DeRozan with 444,868.

“I wouldn't be here without my Dwyane Wade, Cleveland's teammates ... Especially DeMar,'' LeBron James, Indiana's Paul he said. “That man's an all-star. George and New York's Carmelo By Neil Davidson Anthony.

THE CANADIAN PRESS “At the end of the day, he's an Follow ?NeilMDavidson on Twitter all-star.''

The Western starters are the Lakers' Kobe Bryant, Golden State's (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Casey said he already has and Stephen Curry, Oklahoma City's Advertisment

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FILM

12

February 1st - 14th 2016

'Morris from America' is a vibrant, fresh coming of age tale and Morris isn't the prototypical rebellious youth either. They are profane, they are sentimental, they are difficult _ they are fully drawn characters with complexities, contradictions and all.

PARK CITY, Utah _ “Morris from America'' isn't your typical coming of age story.

Hartigan, who came to Sundance previously with “This Is Martin Bonner,'' avoids both the cliches and banalities of this tired genre The film, which premiered at the and has instead made something Sundance Film Festival, focuses on entirely fresh. This big-hearted a pair of Americans _ a widowed film about that strange time in life father and son _ living in Heidelwhen adolescents dip their toes berg, Germany. The father coaches into reckless teenager-dom is not a soccer team. The 13-year-old to be missed. son, Morris, is trying to learn the language and make some actual Stars Craig Robinson (Curtis) and friends. And, to make matters even newcomer Markees Christmas more trying, they are essentially (Morris) bring Hartigan's vibrant the only black people in town. story and script to life with their effortless chemistry and nuanced The result is delightful. performances.

In “Morris From America,'' Chad

Curtis isn't a run-of-the-mill father,

Morris isn't having a great time in Germany until his sweet tutor (Carla Juri) suggests he hang out at a youth centre to try to make friends.

It doesn't go very well _ one kid gives him a hard time, while the others mostly ignore him. But he does become attached to a beautiful, troubled 15-year-old girl, Katrin (Lina Keller, an ethereal, beguiling Julie Delpy-type), who lets him tag along with her on her increasingly defiant exploits.

The film never goes exactly where you'd expect, and Hartigan and his lovely cast keep the energy up and the scenes moving throughout, whether it's just a language lesson or an awkward talent show.

Hartigan also imbues the film with gorgeous cinematic flair that's always interesting, if not always completely coherent within the

language of the film. For example, in one scene, Morris is listening to a hip-hop song while touring a castle and everyone (even the stained glass windows and sculptures) bob their heads along with it. This surreal moment is strangely affecting, but it's an odd one off, too.

Christmas, in particular, is a real discovery. He adeptly handled everything the movie tosses at him _ whether freestyle rapping, dancing with a pillow (or at a rave), or shedding a tear. Hartigan heard about the young newbie actor from a friend who'd seen his YouTube videos “Markees Vs.'' After the screening, Christmas said he's now trying to get an agent and a manager and wants to make sure he stays in movies. After a debut like “Morris From America,'' that probably won't be a problem.

By Lindsey Bahr THE ASSOCIATED PRESS --Follow AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ldbahr

Film

February 1st - 14th 2016

Adele, Kendrick Lamar to perform at Grammys

13

OSCAR BOYCOTT - SPIKE LEE - JADA PINKETT SMITH

year for the Pharrell-produced “Alright.'' Taylor Swift and the Weeknd follow with seven nominations each, including bids for album of the year with “1989'' and “Beauty Behind the Madness,'' respectively.

NEW YORK _ Hello, it's Adele, and she's performing at next month's Grammy Awards.

The Recording Academy told The Associated Press that the British singer, leading nominee Kendrick Lamar, the Weeknd and Little Big Town will perform at the Feb. 15 show.

Adele returned to music in top form with “25,'' her third album that has sold about 8 million units in the U.S. since its November release. The lead single, “Hello,'' spent its first 10 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.

“This lineup of talented artists is just the beginning of what will, once again, prove to be music's biggest night. We look forward to celebrating what's been a wonderful year in music, honouring the best of the best and featuring never-before-seen performances,'' Recording Academy CEO Neil Portnow said in a statement.

Lamar is this year's top Grammys contender with 11 nominations, including album of the year for “To Pimp a Butterfly'' and song of the

Little Big Town earned two nominations: best country album for “Pain Killer'' and country duo/group performance for “Girl Crush.'' The latter, one of last year's biggest hits, earned song of the year and best country song nominations for writers Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna (Little Big Town did not write “Girl Crush'').

Adele, who has won 10 Grammys, will qualify for nominations at the 2017 Grammy Awards because she released music after the Sept. 30, 2015, deadline for the 2016 awards show. She famously took home six awards at the 2012 show, including album of the year for “21'' and song and record of the year for “Rolling In the Deep.''

LL Cool J will host the 58th annual Grammy Awards, to air live on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. A special tribute to Lionel Richie, who is the Recording Academy's 2016 MusiCares person of the year, also will be featured on the Grammys telecast.

By Mesfin Fekadu THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ____ Online: https://www.grammy.com/

(AP Photo/Matt Sayles, file)

NEW YORK (AP) _ Don't look for Spike Lee or Jada Pinkett Smith on the Oscars' red carpet.

Lee and Pinkett Smith say they won't be going to the Academy Awards next month. For the second-straight year all the acting Oscar nominees are white. In an Instagram post, Lee says he “cannot support'' the “lily white'' Oscars. Pinkett Smith

posted a video message on Facebook, noting it was Martin Luther King Jr. Day. She says “begging for acknowledgement, or even asking, diminishes dignity.''

She says it's time for people of colour to ignore the Academy Awards. Pinkett Smith's husband Will Smith was passed over for an Oscar nod for his performance in “Concussion.''

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Aries (March 21-April 19)

If you find something that does not belong to you, but it is can be deciphered that the item has value then return it if possible, because you will be rewarded tenfold due to your kindness.

Taurus (April 20- May 20)

Someone will surprise you with a gift of love. This may be tangible or gesture, nevertheless, it will be something that will exhilarate your happiness and rejuvenate your energy.

Gemini (May 21- June 20)

Give love time to grow, but do your best to fertilize it with consideration, commonsense and compromise.

Cancer (June 21- July 22) Do not make excuses for the

Horoscopes

shortcomings of others, they know what they are doing and they know they should stop.

Try not to enable bad behavioiur.

Leo (July 23- August 22)

is a turnoff. Find a common ground between the two and you will find yourself.

Scorpio (October 23- November 21)

You have a big heart. Use it to express understanding towards those who may not have the love and support of many.

You will feel much better doing what comes natural as opposed to planning every detail without room for contingency plans.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Sagittarius (November 22- December 21)

People will see you as a boss this week. Capitalize on it in a career aspect and show the ‘superiors’ how skilled you are, and ready for a promotion. In regards to love and relationships, make sure you use this respect to your benefit and do not get tyrannical on people who let you down.

Libra (September 23- October 22) There is nothing wrong being confident. It is cockiness that

Be true to your character. Do not allow others to dictate to you how you should behave.

You know yourself better than anyone, so show the world who you are.

Capricorn (December 22- January 19)

Pick up the phone and say hello to a friend, you never know who is losing hope and may need a loving voice, or touch to pull them through their dim moment.

Aquarius (January 20February 18)

Sing, dance and celebrate this time. Try not to allow circumstances of finances, family and relationships to let you down.

Pisces (Feb 19- March 20) You will have a streak of good karma. This means people will be kind to you out of the blue, you will be observed in a very special way, online and at work, plus you will also feel stronger than you have in a while.

Cerise Fairfax Life Coach | (416) 722-5233 | cerisefairfax@gmail.com | www.cerisefairfax.com | www. youtube.com/cerisefairfax Cerise’s book URBAN PROVERBS: How to create and maintain good karma is available. To order your copy please email. (available in Audio, Ebook and Paperback)

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