www.caribbeanposh.com
Usha Thomas
Face of Grenada
of the Caribbean's Sexiest Men
Publisher and Founding Editor JANETTE N. BRIN Beauty Editor (s) AKEEMA CRABBE Contributing Writers GRACIOUS ROSS, EDIE WEBBER Contributing Photographers REGINAL JOSEPH SAMUEL JOHN RICKI RICHARDSON Art Design & Layout BRYAN ODHIAMBO Join the conversation on Facebook Leave your comments at caribbeanposh.com Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram @caribbeanposh Share all your POSH moments in real time @poshgirlpowerbrunch ON THE COVER Usha Thomas 2020 Face of Grenada Photographer: Samuel John @sjphotographygd473 Stylist: Aniona Hamid @ladyiriebyaniona Hair: Denise Francis MAU: Tanie Layne @dollzup_by_tanielayne_mua Shoot Location: Coyaba Beach Resort, Grenada Contact: For editorial submissions: editor@caribbeanposh.com Advertising: sales@caribbeanposh.com POSHgirl POWER Brunch: brunch@caribbeanposh.com
Contents 4 Editors Letter 6 POSHgirl Picks 7 8 Things We Are Talking About
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POSH FASHION The Perfect White Shirt Lime Green Apple Style Happy Feet: The sneakers & Sandals We’ll Wear All Summer For POSH Style Hunters + Meet the Caribbean People Behind Them POSHgirl Power Brunch
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POSH BEAUTY Foundations & Setting Sprays Summer Palette 100% Clean Beauty and Wellness Brands that are Black-Owned Behind the Face of Grenada
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POSH FEATURES Roxanne Graham: Face of Grenada Founder Face of Grenada: Usha Thomas Her Story Marley One: Silo Wellness debuts
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POSH LIFESTYLE 6 Ways to Live Better this Summer 11 of the Caribbean's Sexiest Men Pre-Workout Smoothie + Iced Coffees Following on Social Media 99FM To Bridge Jamaicans at Home With The Diaspora Lila Iké delivers Call-To-Action message to protect Our Children Jesse Royal Jahvillani
Janette N. Brin Publisher and Founding Editor Photographed by Ricki Richardson Location: Tortola, BVI
editor's page The Black Lives Matter Movement has had profound impact on not just America but the world. One of many lessons I have learned is the influence we have with the way in which we spend our money. As Caribbean people the reach of our heritage is vast and wide so we are certainly a group of people that can made a difference. The reality is, if we all do our part in supporting black businesses, then we are helping with the positive progression of black communities. So imagine the impact within a small country like the British Virgin Islands where there is essentially no export. Here in BVI when I go grocery shopping, I often wonder why in areas where there is a local brand, the local brand is not prevalent. I wonder why Caribbean brands that are on the shelf aren’t clearly identified as Caribbean brands. Why isn’t it a propriety for us as Caribbean Countries to place preference on Caribbean brands in general to further encourage a positive progression within our communities? I do recognize it could be a bit of a challenge to perhaps condition local and regional consumers. What is it? Is it that enough of us are not seeing the bigger picture? Let’s talk about it. Join the conversation via Facebook or LinkedIn @caribbeanposh Shopping Caribbean, Black, or local should be a lifestyle not a trend. I have been making it a point to reconsider my purchase decisions. Instead of getting products or services through other big-name brands; I seek opportunities to meet my needs via Caribbean, Black, or locally owned companies.
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editor's
#POSHgirl
picks
By Janette Brin
MARLEY ONE marleyone.com - $19.99 each Made of 100% natural ingredients. Silo Wellness Debuts Marley One. One Harmony: A mango-flavoured blend of chaga and ginger designed to stimulate gut health and improve digestion. One Body: A berry-flavoured blend of turkey tail and astragalus designed to support immune health.
MATTE LIQUID LIPSTICK, BON BON [PINK] BY LUNA MAGIC lunamagic.com - $8 LUNA MAGIC is a new indie beauty & lifestyle brand founded by Afro-Latina & Dominican-American sisters Mabel and Shaira Frías. Inspiration: Bon Bon, meaning 'sensual woman' in Spanish, is a term of endearment to describe a sexy & sultry woman in the Caribbean and Latin America.
SANGRIA BY MIX’D ROOTS mixdroots.com - $24 Makes 8-10 Cocktails Festive, fruity, and fun. Sangria is a lovely mix of pome and citrus fruits perfect for home entertaining; you'll love this traditional drink all year long.
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Mango + Green Coconut @naomibaaluxuries
MONTFLEUR DUVIN 'YVONNE' montfleurduvin.com - $19.99 An aromatic white wine made with Gewürztraminer grapes. Your senses are captivated by the fragrance of a lovely wildflower bouquet over a crisp palate with pleasing hints of ripe peaches. Created by Abner Montfleury, a first generation HaitianAmerican, sought to diversify the space of fine wine making.
Things we are talking about 1. BVI Commission of Inquiry 2. World Health Officials call for urgent vaccine donations to stem COVID in Central America and the Caribbean.
3. Haiti President Jovenel Moïse assassinated. 4. American Airlines adds two new Caribbean flights; the carrier has now announced two new Caribbean routes to Anguilla and Dominica. 5. Caribbean nations find that anti-plastic policies are not enough to prevent damage to coastline.
6. LIAT is No More: Airline being liquidated, the Government of Antigua Has Announced.
7. Fenty’s Fortune: Rihanna is now officially a Billionaire.
8. Tokyo Olympics: ThompsonHerah breaks Flo Jo's record in women's 100.
POSHfashion
The Perfect WHITE Shirt Perfection is obviously subjective- depending on the situation, different styles can be more or less appropriate- but each of these white shirts is perfect in its’ own right. The white shirt is a foundational block of any wardrobe, and something you truly cannot own too many of; but the classic white tee or button down is only so interesting. These shirts elevate the concept of “plain white shirt,” looking contemporary, fresh and exciting all while remaining easy to style and wear every day. (Not Plain) White Tee A graphic white tee is extremely versatile, adding a bit of personality and artistry to any outfit with ease. The fabulous Fe Noel’s recent collaboration with Sew Trill is filled with unique, quirky pieces, and we love this cropped tee from their line. The subtle design is cute enough for every day. $98, Available at FeNoel.com
Image Courtesy of fenoel.com
Pleated & Personal For those with a flair for the dramatic, this pleated sculptural blouse by Meiling is perfection. The backless cut, thick black straps and punky grommets add edge to the ruffled frill of the crisp white linen. Handmade in Trinidad, this piece is stunningly precise. Wear it alone for a sexy summer moment, or throw on a blazer to tame it for your afternoon meeting. Price upon request, shop via Meilinginc.com
Image via @pierinnafeoli Instagram
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Image Courtesy of @meilinginc via Instagram
Long & Lean Made for layering, the Gaia top by Colombian designer Pierinna Feoli is the gauzy, fluttering high-low top of our dreams. The asymmetric shoulder is contemporary and clean, and the straight-cut draping sides part around a subtly sensual open midriff. While tailored enough for the city, it would also double as a fantastic swim coverup. Price upon request, DM @pierinnafeoli on Instagram to shop.
Dreamy Draping Part greek goddess, part puffy cloud, the Miami blouse by Sandra Weil Studio is a structured, draped dream. Tucked into a pair of high-waisted trousers, the look is businesscool, or let it be more formal with a bias-cut silk skirt and elegant sandals. Handmade in Mexico City. $370, available at sandraweil.com
Image courtesy of @Sandraweilstudio via Instagram
Bohemian Baroque Intricate laces stacked with delicately ruched stripes, La Paloma top by Waimari is a delicate, detailed work of art. The white lace is carefully layered, leaving subtle sheer sections with elegant patterning. Romantic and precious, each top is handmade in Colombia by Waimari’s artisan tailors. Supporting local women, Waimari hires & trains single mothers who become their family’s breadwinners creating these exquisite designs.
Image via Freepeople.com
Image courtesy of waimari.com
$190, available at Waimari.com
Babydoll Denim Part artist’s smock, part sunday-school dress, the Charlie denim buttondown is equal parts cool and cute. The large frilled collar is offbeat and quirky, and the oversized fit is edgy. Voluminous sleeves are a modern detail that keeps this piece contemporary and chic. $128, Available at freepeople.com
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$130, Available for preorder via DM @valentinagordon on Instagram.
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Image courtesy of valentinagordon.com
Offbeat but So Right The Capela blouse by Venezualan designer Valentina Gordon is your new go-to work staple. Clean, crisp lines, precise tailoring and unique details provide visual interest and effective stylistic impact. As versatile as your classic white buttondown, the mandarin collar and oversized shoulder make this look current but still timeless.
LIME GREEN APPLE STYLE Jae Jolly Fimi Chartreuse Jumpsuit $170
Jae Jolly is a Luxury Resort and Swimwear brand from Jamaica. She notes her pieces as being for the Wanderlust-er who dresses to inspire.
Maricia Budget is a Puerto Rican jewelry designer known for her bold statement jewelry pieces. Her designs feature tropical gems in asymmetrical cuts and geometric settings.
Marcia Budget LD Triangle Cocktail Ring: Lemon Quartz $1,650
Jae Jolly Selima Chartreuse Maxi $200
Of Jamaican-Chinese heritage, designer Brandon Blackwood was born and raised in Brooklyn. His designer bags are both classic and trendforward pieces.
Brandon Blackwood Mini Kendrick Trunk Yellow Green Nylon $165
Designer, Kristin Fraser during her 2019 Caribbean POSH shoot. [photo credit: Norman Allen]
Dancehall Artist Spice at the 2019 BET Awards
CÎROC Apple Mimosa The recipe for an amazing Empowered Brunch include successful and inspiring women, delicious cuisine and fabulous drinks. For a drink that will get the celebration started, try making the CÎROC™ Vodka Crisp Apple Mimosa. Combine CÎROC™ Apple and Elderflower Liqueur in a shaker with ice, top with a splash of champagne, garnish with an apple slice and enjoy! Get the recipe for your Empowered Brunch today. Source: CÎROC
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Happy Feet:
The sneakers & sandals we’ll wear all summer
Chic Shades Need a breath of fresh air? The classic criss-cross sandal feels fresh and new in a tri-color gradient, expertly created by Isleñas. The Puerto Rican brand makes these beauties locally, with a focus on comfort and modern style- the traditional espadrille trim houses a memory foam sole, and the leather color gradient is all the more impactful with its’ subdued nude edging. $165, Available at lasislenas.com
Monochromatic Chic There’s something so fresh about solid colors, especially in the summertime. These chic sneakers by Cardi B for Reebok are elevated by their monochromatic color pallet, fit for a farmers’ market run or a fancy brunch, or even for the office. This pale lilac is very wearable, but they also come in a vibrant green for those looking for a little more *kick.*
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$80, Available at Reebok.com
Flatform Friendly Need a lift? Among the most flattering styles of our round-up, flatform-soled shoes have been increasing in popularity in the recent seasons. These flatform sneakers in Superga’s iconic minimal style give you a sneaky platform sole, elongating your legs without sacrificing comfort. Classic white is always in style, but Superga carries the style in a variety of fun colors as well. $80, Available at Superga.com
Punk & Punchy Dr. Martens have are a timeless staple of youth culture which have been gaining in popularity for years now, and they’ve made a pivot into summer sandals. While combat boots and sandals may not seem like the most natural pairing in the world, they actually are combined quite seamlessly in the Blaire Flatform sandal, pictured. The thick, graphic soles are extremely ontrend, contrasted with the classic strappy sandal leather uppers, creating a fun and unique summer sandal. $100, Available at drmartens.com
Slip-Ons with Style Slip-on sandals are a summer staple- a bit less casual than a pair of flip-flops, but no less comfortable. For the past couple of years, athletic slides and minimalistic slip-ons have been prominent, but this year, they’re getting elevated — adding a bit of embellishment takes the slipon from relaxed to polished, without losing any of their easy-going nature. The Jasmine sandal by FreePeople, pictured, is a lovely balance of polish and relaxation. $200, Available at Freepeople.com
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$99.95, Available at birkenstock.com
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The Birk Birkenstocks continue to reign as one of the most on-trend summer shoes available, but you have lots of options apart from the classic Arizona this year. We’re loving the glam metallic leather paired with the organic, unpretentious cork soles and silhouette that Birkenstock is known for. Finished with tonal buckles, these sandals are a pair you’ll wear again and again— and due to the ergonomic footbeds, your feet will be happy too!
For POSH Style Hunters + meet the Caribbean people behind them
Mateo New York Duality Pearl Drop Earrings - $575
Mateo New York Black Elsa Bag - $450
Jamaican-born Matthew Harris moved to the United States when he was 16 years old. A self-taught jewelry designer his label Mateo New York carries both jewelry and handbags. mateonewyork.com
Manluu by Moana Luu Cane Bangle Bracelet $1,800 (Martinique)
MoAnA LUU is a Martinican entrepreneur, global creative leader, brand architect, media expert and philanthropist based in New York. She is the founder and creative director of ManLuu, an American fashion house that reimagines contemporary Creole luxury. LUU is currently the Global Chief Content and Creative Officer for ESSENCE Ventures, which brands include ESSENCE, Afropunk, Naturally curly, and Girls United. manluu.com
Manluu by Moana Luu Cane Mai Ring - $470 (Martinique)
POSHfashion
Twig and Pearl Bangle Bag - $120
After years of working towards becoming a Womenswear designer, In 2014 Rebecca Stirm-Lennan left her job designing custom women's wear and bridal gowns, to find and build something that I believed in. And at age 22 the Belizean designer launched TWIG & PEARL. Her designer bags are made from natural locally sourced leather, hardwood, and hand-printed cotton. twingandpearl.com
Brandon Blackwood Kendrick Trunk | GREEN - $165
Brandon Blackwood Kuei Bag | EVERGREEN - $150
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Twig and Pearl Ambergris Tote in Sunset -$255
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Brandon Blackwood was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He is of Jamaican and Chinese descent, spending most of his childhood traveling to and from New York and Tokyo. After majoring in Neuroscientific Psychology at Bard University, Blackwood quickly realized that he would rather work in Fashion and started the necessary steps to launch his first handbag line. brandonblackwood.com
POSHgirl
Power Brunch Thank you POSHgirls! We have reaffirmed our commitment to women empowerment despite the ongoing global pandemic by hosting a hybrid version of our 2021 POSHgirl POWER Brunch. Model and TV personality Janeisha John, the event's first ever host, returned to help lead a diverse group of 11 speakers from 6 countries from across the Caribbean. Guided by the theme ‘Discover Your Power’,sessions were designed to help women entrepreneurs power up their content, e-commerce, digital marketing, sales skills, and wellness practices. We do hope to see you all in 2022. Until then stay safe!
@poshgirlpowerbrunch
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POSHbeauty Foundations
&Setting Sprays Pro Makeup Artist: Akeema Crabbe Hot Girl Summer is here and during this time being a Posh Girl in the Caribbean, it’s important that you look fly at all times. Although we experience tropical weather all year round, in the summertime the sun hits different and can be very devious for a girl who wears foundation. Foundation has always been my favorite product, even though most people would say I never look like I’m wearing any. And that’s how I like it: my skin, but better. My version of good foundation changes, like all things, with the seasons, but especially in the summer as its much hotter and humid. Even after I have switch out my foundation, I can never go a summer without a makeup setting spray.
FOUNDATIONS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation by NARS This foundation has the best of both worlds, it's both light in texture and full in coverage. Not just long-lasting, but also proven to befade-resistant, it'll stay on your face all day, looking freshly applied the entire time.
Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation by Fenty Beauty This formular comes in the form of a soft matte medium-to-full coverage. It's even equipped with climate-adaptive technology that helps it to resist humidity.
SETTING SPRAYS
Skindinavia The Makeup Oil Control Finish This setting spray was a holy grail when I started out on makeup. It's formulated to keep excess shine at bay while reducing the need for makeup touch-ups or oil-blotting sheets.
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray This formula is right her is the business. It has a temperature-control technology that lowers the temperature of makeup in order to keep it from fading, cracking, or smudging. The formula is oil-free and suitable for all skin types.
Charlotte Tibury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray This formula not only have the staying power to keep your makeup on but it is also hydrating. It is weightlessly and sets makeup for up to 16 hours without melting, fading, or settling into fine lines.
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Maybelline New York Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation This foundation is oil-free and gives a natural-looking coverage. The formula is on the thicker side, so is best to apply it in thin layers.
Although there have been much controversy surrounding setting sprays, setting sprays really, truly work. There is an absolute difference in the wear of your makeup when it is set. Just like hair spray holds your hair in place, a setting spray does the same for your makeup. The whole purpose of using a makeup setting spray is to help prevent your makeup from smudging, creasing, or fading quickly which is beneficial in hot climates. Whether you have dry skin, oily or a combo girl like me, for an optimum, sweat and fool-proof look this summer, try any of these tried and tested foundations and setting sprays. Wherever you are, you won’t be disappointed.
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Summer Palette
Since we are in the era of wearing face mask and it has now become an essential part of your daily wardrobe choices, adding head-turning eye makeup look wont hurt. With half of our faces covered while out and about, doing a little more aside from eyeliner and mascara would definitely take your look to another level. Whether you’re a makeup beginner or makeup guru a high-quality eyeshadow palette is a must-have item in every woman’s makeup bag. Here are 5 of my must have eyeshadow palettes offering endless possibilities of glamming up the eyes for any occasion.
1. Pat McGrath Labs Mothership VII Eyeshadow Palette - Divine Rose
2. Natasha Denona Bronze Eyeshadow Palette
3. MAKEUP BY MARIO Master Mattes™ Eyeshadow Palette
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4. Juvia’s Place The Wahala Palette
5. UOMA Beauty Black Magic Carnival Color Palette
100% Clean Beauty and Wellness Brands that are Black-Owned
Source: Shutterstock.com
by Aimee Campos There has been a major shift in the beauty and wellness industry when it comes to ingredients and what we want to put on and in our bodies. This is something we have begun to see particularly in the last decade, with a lot of major big name brands going the ‘clean’ route and coming out with products that boast safe, clean, and vegan ingredients. However, there are many brands that have always stayed tried and true to maintaining 100 percent clean ingredients to truly honor our health and beauty. If you are looking to pamper and treat yourself to products that soothe, nourish, and better every inch of you, then we’ve got you covered. There are so many amazing brands to turn to, so we’ve compiled some of our favorites. Here is a short list of some of our top 100% clean beauty and wellness black-owned brands.
Itiba Beauty
be confident that you are nourishing your body with the best of the best! They strive to promote healthy beauty and wellness, along with sustainable sourcing and production. If you have skin afflictions and are looking for products to soothe and nourish skin, check out Terra-Tory at terra-tory.com
Frigg
This Caribbean-owned brand was started by Yoki Hanley, mom of 6. Her products offer rejuvenation and health to the skin with ‘Caribbean essence’. 100% plant based, all of Itiba Beauty’s products are handmade on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Nourish your hair and body with a variety of soaps, body butters, body polishes, hair serums, lotions, and body sprays. Give yourself a gift of clean beauty and pampering, shop now at itibabeauty.com
Terra-Tory
BLAC Minerals Blac Minerals is a clean makeup brand founded by Merced S. Boyce. She got into action to create this brand when she failed to see an inclusive makeup brand with a shade range free of traditional toxic ingredients and additives that can usually be found in makeup. The end result is BLAC Minerals, makeup that boasts clean ingredients and a diverse shade of ranges to not overpower the skin, but rather complement it. Shop their blushes, highlighters, powders, primers, and more at blacminerals.com
Frigg is a wellness brand created to soothe and nourish skin, hair, and mood with its line of clean and ethically made products! The main hero ingredient that can be found in their products is the hemp plant. Frigg was named after the Norse goddess of nutrition and wisdom, and their mission is to combat the stressors that can strip the body and mind of health. Say goodbye to dullness and give your body and mind a bit of magic at getfrigg.com
Unsun Cosmetics
Terra-Tory is an amazing skincare and wellness brand that caters to bringing the skin nourishment and hydration with all clean products. This Caribbean-owned brand focuses a lot on skin afflicted with Eczema and hyper-sensitivity. Some superfoods that you may see in their products include papaya, plantains, and sea moss, so you can
Unsun Cosmetics was created specifically with black women in mind. Tired of sunscreen options that left pesky residue, Katonya Bordeaux founded this line of clean sunscreen products. The line boasts sunscreen, highlighters, and hand creams, all with a healthy dose of SPF. Fighting the harsh UV rays from the sun is essential, so if you are looking for a powerful SPF without the whitecast residue, then we suggest taking a glimpse of these products at unsuncosmetics.com
In this day and age, we want products that can nourish and enhance our bodies and moods without sacrificing clean and natural ingredients. To see clean beauty and wellness continuing to evolve and take shape into different accessible brands that practice sustainability and help empower the black community is truly amazing. These products are specifically made to pamper, aid, and complement the body, with reliable and sustainable practices. The brands mentioned above are just a few of our favorites when it comes to pampering ourselves the right way, with ingredients that aren’t hard to pronounce or something we’ve never even heard of. Give yourself the gift of clean beauty and wellness, because it’s what you deserve!
BEHIND
the face of
Grenada Stylist: Aniona Hamid Instagram: @ladyiriebyaniona Belle Purple & Yellow Ruffle Look Dance is very close to my heart and I carry an extra love for Caribbean Folk Styles. Belle was inspired by the original Bélé Performance Costumes. This look oozes femininity and flirtiness with the shoulder peeking out of the ruffles Exactly what "The Dam" would want to wear in this Mating Dance. Alana - Carnival Look Alana, the second daughter of King Triton. In "The Little Mermaid" she was outfitted in purple with a pink spiked crown. Usha accurately depicts this as she is shot emerging from the water. Jean Head Wrap Wrapchic, a Naomi Campbell inspired look
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MUA: Tanie Layne Facebook: dollzupbytanielayne Instagram: @dollzup_by_tanielayne_mua For Usha’s look, I used Estee Lauder Foundation, La girl pro concealer, Fenty Beauty face power, Juvia’s Palette for her eyes, and a MAC lipstick.
POSHfeatures
Graham Roxanne
Face of Grenada Founder @faceofgrenada
How did Face of Grenada come about? And how long have you been hosting the event? Face of Grenada was an idea founded on an interest for fashion and modelling and combining that interest with sending out a message of important local socioeconomic or environmental issues. The Face of Grenada team initially comprised of myself and Ezra Campbell (Environmental and Conservation professionals and modelling enthusiast), Reginald Joseph (Photographer), Shannon Buckmire (Public Relations) and Christabelle Andrews (graphic artiste) and together we used our skills and networking potential to launch the Face of Grenada event in 2014. Since 2014, the Face of Grenada has hosted competitions in 2015, 2017 and in 2021. What is your ultimate goal? The goal of FOG is celebrate the beauty and talents of women of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, providing them with the tools and opportunities to follow their dreams as models, while producing an event where the selected winner embarks on either a socio-economical or environmental issue, hence the motto being: "Beauty with a Purpose." What is the community support like for Face of Grenada? What do you want people outside of Grenada to know about Grenada? Thankfully the FOG team has remained committed to the goal of FOG and persevered throughout the years to ensure execution of the FOG event and associated activities. I must mention my brothers Randolph and Denson Graham and friends Azel Hood and Kathysha Christopher who have also contributed by always giving a helping hand since the birth of Face of Grenada.
I want people to know that our Pure Grenada, the ideal vacation location is actually also full of very talented, dedicated and unique young people that are striving to make it international with their God given talent be it designing, modeling, singing, acting etc.
There are some regional magazine partnerships that I am most grateful for, including collaborations with Caribbean POSH Magazine, Nu Woman Magazine, Caribbean E Magazine and Potent Magazine. These regional opportunities have fulfilled a partial accomplishment for past winners in being featured on notable magazines. It’s important to have consistency in sponsorship and there are a number of local sponsors that have dedicated their resources and products to help FOG be successful throughout all the years including Digicel Grenada, Coyaba Beach Resort, Tambran by Tamara, Graham’s Sports and Fitness, Go2fete, and Glenelg Natural Spring Water. 2021 saw the most amount of partnering fashion designers including Elle’s Creation, AP & A Creative Designs, Shawna Jo, Sabriece Designs, RockinRoxcin by Cindy Phillip and most notably Ladie Irie by Aniona Hamid.
Face of Grenada
Usha Thomas By: Janette Brin
Photography: Samuel John and Reginald Joseph Stylist: Aniona Hamid MUA: Tanie Layne
The year is 2020, a Saturday evening in February and I am in Grenada for the first time to attend the highly anticipated Face of Grenada pageant. A full day of travel just from Tortola but the opportunity to experience the Spice Island, its people, plus stay in one of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean - Silver Sands Grenada – was so worth it. Usha Thomas, the then 26-year-old aspiring model won the 2020 Face of Grenada tile – the honour and responsibility of positively inspiring more young women like her to be “a beauty with a purpose”. On behalf of Caribbean POSH, I’ve pledged to provide her a platform to help elevate her message. What no one could have known is that just a month later the world would be placed on pause as the COVID 19 pandemic swept across the globe. Flash forward to August 2021, the pandemic continues to impact our daily lives. It would take us a while to coordinate given all the uncertainty happening around us. Connected for an e-interview to learn that Usha remains self-assured, poised, and after a few ups and downs since her first competion in 2017, she is ready to take on the world of high fashion to continue her love of modeling and runway all the while reflecting courage and the “heart of a lion”. POSH Who are you? USHA I am 27 year old Usha Thomas. I am from Pure Grenada, also known as the “Spice of the Caribbean.” I am highly ambitious and success driven. I’ve overcome many obstacles and rejections in pursuing my career as a professional model. This has made me very strong, so much so that I describe myself now as having a lion’s heart! POSH What is the most memorable thing from your childhood? USHA The most memorable thing from my childhood life life so far would have to be my first entry in Grenada’s Next Top Model Runway Competition in 2017. I embody the true picture of perseverance and dedication. I didn’t have any experience in modeling but I purposed in my heart to not give up. I always preached to myself: “practice, practice, practice; block out negative energy and thoughts and stay humble.” And it certainly paid off as I emerged the winner. POSH What was it like growing up in Grenada? USHA While I had an overall decent upbringing by my parents, growing up in Grenada was challenging due to being constantly bullied. I dealt with that mostly when I was developing into a teenager and it became even more of a struggle in my pursuit to becoming a model. POSH What are the favorite things you like to do on Saturdays or Sunday afternoon? USHA Some of my favorite things to do on Sunday afternoons is going to the beach with my best friend Precilla Noel. I also enjoy shooting runway videos and pictures and looking at some of my favorites TV Shows such as The Chi and Love Island. POSH What would you say are the top three indicators that someone is from Grenada? USHA Three top indicators that someone is from Grenada would be that they enjoy our national dish “Oil Down”, our unique dialect and special slang such as ‘Yuh Geh Tru’ which means something was a success, and thirdly, our annual “Spicemas” event - particularly our J’Ouvert ( which features the forever traditional Jab Jab band). POSH What are Grenadians’ pride and joy? USHA In my opinion, Grenadians’ main pride and joy is our J’Ouvert, during the Carnival Season.
POSHfeatures POSH You have mentioned on numerous occasions that you aspire to be a fashion model. Why are you interested in that particular career? USHA I am highly interested in becoming a fashion model. I will say modeling chose me. As I’ve previously mentioned, I was constantly bullied as a child. I. can remember vividly that children would make fun of my skin, height, size and my eye-teeth, which they referred to as “vampire teeth.” I never really loved myself. I had low self esteem and low self confidence. I had developed depression and anxiety. I always thought I was never enough, or beautiful enough, but that all changed the moment I stepped onto that runway of Grenada’s Next Top Model competition. It was as if I felt a powerful rush come through my body. I felt powerful, loved, appreciated, and beautiful. It was at that moment I had a different view of myself and what true beauty really is. Hence the reason why I want to model for the rest of my God given life. I can truthfully say modeling saved me. POSH What would be your goals as a model? How do see yourself progress in this field? USHA I see myself progressing in the modeling field if I’m given the opportunity to really showcase myself. I can state that my strong area is the runway. Once given the opportunity to model designs, it will definitely be a self progression for me. Also, with me practicing my poses and walk regularly, I will never stop learning. Everyday you learn something new that you never knew existed. Staying educated about the industry will help in my career path as well. POSH Imagine you became a successful model five to ten years from now. What do you envision being written about you? USHA I envision that in the future, magazines will feature three mains things about me…one, my continued humble personality, secondly, my accomplishments in the modeling field, and finally, in the ways I help make the world a better place especially for young girls who go through confidence issues. POSH Who would you say is your most admired supermodel and why? USHA The model I most admire is The Naomi Campbell. She embodies elegance, strength, perseverance, sophistication, and black woman power. Her runway walk is beyond this world and her poses are breathtaking. She also encourages people to do their best and keep working towards their goals. POSH What international designer brand would you be most excited to work for if given the chance? USHA There are so many amazing international designer brands I would be excited to work for but I will only name a few. If given the chance, I would absolutely love to represent the big leagues such as Versace, Olivier Rousteing (Balmain), and Chanel, but I would be honored to also represent some of our Caribbean International brands e.g.Anya, Ayoung-Chee, and Rihanna. POSH Why did you choose to enter the Face of Grenada? USHA I chose to become involved with an organization called Face of Grenada (FOG) because of what it stands for. The goal of FOG is celebrate the beauty and talents of women of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, providing them with the tools and opportunities to follow their dreams as models, while producing an event where the selected winner embarks on either a socio-economical or environmental issue, hence the motto being: "Beauty with a Purpose." The organization focuses on environmental and community issues, addresses them and comes up with ways to help reduce, mitigate, or stop them while promoting a cause through a fashion and modeling lens. I am excited to be a part of this. I also joined because of the networking opportunities and additional exposure it gives me. Lastly, I adore the runway, and that alone continues to drive me to participate.
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POSHfeatures
POSH Women make up 49 percent of the global workforce. What do you believe is the most important issue facing women in the workplace today and why? USHA The most important issue facing the modeling workforce is sexual harassment, especially from those in the higher positions. Women are afraid to speak up for fear of losing their jobs. This definitely needs to stop. I pray that women get the strength to leave, or speak up about this issue. Do not stay in a bad, unethical situation just because of fear, status, or money. I would tell women in my community that it is okay to have fears or to be nervous. It’s in our human nature, but the problem arises when you allow that fear to overpower you and cause you to not go after your goal - whatever it may be. I have some fears, even while taking pictures, but you have to remember that when you let that fear take over your soul, you will never make a start towards reaching your goal - much less finishing it. In other words, you can use that fear to push yourself to go harder after your goal. It really begins with your mind; your thoughts. So, think that you can do it. Think only that and just do exactly what’s needed to be done to reach that goal, and I guarantee you will be successful and make a huge mark on society. POSH How do you silence your insecurities? USHA I silence my insecurities by repeating affirmations. I tell myself that I am worthy, I can do it it. According to one of my favorite motivational speakers, Les Brown, I tell myself, “It’s possible and it’s necessary.” I listen to songs with positive and uplifting messages. I also tell myself that our insecurities make us who we are. It makes YOU unique and purposeful. POSH During your reign as the 2020 Face of Grenada your primary focus will be on the environment in your community. What are the most pressing enironmental issues currently? USHA Speaking of other issues in my community such as the most pressing environmental ones is waste management, and subsequent negative effects associated with pollution. POSH What are the things that you think make the island of Grenada unique? USHA The things that make my home island of Grenada unique are the people who are very hospitable, helpful, and friendly; our national dish, and of course, the celebration of J’Ouvert! POSH If you could change one law in your country, what would it be and why? USHA The question of what law in my country would I change and why? This is a tough question, as there are so many social and economic issues, but perhaps one notable one to mention is the need for more stringent penalties for pedophiles and rapists. POSH What have you already done to promote your platform? USHA On another positive note, I have created an upcycle Instagram account showcasing various ways in which you can transform your used and unwanted clothing into something fashionable. I’ve also had an upcycle competition on the Instagram platform, encouraging the act of upcycling. I am planning to visit various secondary schools to do presentations on the topic on the benefits of upcycling and the issues that arises from polluting landfills with textiles. Also, in the planning stage is an upcycling competition between secondary school students while educating them on the topic.
POSH What are your plans going forward in 2021? USHA My personal plans going forward in 2021 are to continue to work towards getting recognized by a modeling agency or casting/scouting agents. I am also planning to travel to pursue my modeling career, and to continue to maintain a healthy diet and exercise program. POSH What are some things you feel everyone should be doing to protect the environment? USHA As to community plans and how people can assist in protecting the environment, would be to discourage littering and using garbage bins to dispose of waste; reducing the amount of textile waste in our landfills; using recycling methods where it is possible both in household and industrial levels; and perhaps most importantly, organizing community cleanup days to promote a clean and protected environment.
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Empowerprenuer
Gray
Shantel ChaiLee Makeup Artistry + ChaiLee Lashes
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@chailee_lashes // @Chailee___
What is your Elevator Pitch? I am Shantel Gray of ChaiLee Makeup Artistry and ChaiLee Lashes. Having received training in Jamaica and the UK , Chailee provides expert makeup services using the best in cosmetic products. With experience in a range of makeup techniques we provide quality services to suit any occasion, such as photoshoots, weddings, birthdays, date nights or any other event. We understand your skin’s health is extremely important so we make sure to take great care of it. Our Chailee Lashes, are handcrafted and made from 100% cruelty free minks available in a variety of styles to suit your personality. Our services are available for booking at chaileebookings.as.me/ and you can visit our social media on Instagram @chailee___ and @Chailee_lashes. What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur? The drive behind becoming an entrepreneur stems from growing up in Jamaica and the entrepreneurial culture that exists there. I learned from a young age the importance of having more than one streams of income and very quickly realized that financial freedom is critical to being able to afford and maintain a good lifestyle. What led you to your particular business? I have always been obsessed by all things ‘beauty’. I first thought of specializing in makeup while attending the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. Makeup artistry had everything I cared for: a good income, flexible hours, and the occasion to meet new people. So in addition to my business courses, I also enrolled in a Makeup Artistry program at an Aesthetic Institute that was in close proximity of the University. A few years later, I extended my brand to supplying my own luxury line of lashes, ChaiLee Lashes. How did you raise funding for your venture? Funding from my business came from personal investment. I started very small with money from my savings and built on that. Financial independence was key for me as it allowed me to do this at my own speed and with the luxury of managing my time as I saw fit. I did not want to have to deal with loans and banks, or even have the pressure of involving friends and family. How do you market your business, and which tactics have been most successful? I market myself through social media and through networking. So far, I have benefited the most from networking which provided an avenue for me to sharing my knowledge on makeup techniques and products as well as recommendations. Networking can take different forms, for instance, small private events or talking about what I do when I meet people. Makeup artistry is intrinsically personal, if not intimate. I need to be able to assess someone’s face, touch their skin, identify what will work best for them for that particular occasion. This is a people’s business. Actually, I would go further than that: this is a person-to-person business.
What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive in your day-to-day busy schedule? I would love to say that I have some tricks up my sleeve in keeping focused and productive, however, I have to admit that this has been a struggle. If you are like me, you run a small business, work full-time while trying to advance your career, it becomes extremely hard to keep focused and not be pulled in many directions. I believe time management is key. There are various techniques out there but what works for me is rather simple: I start each day by writing down everything I want to do that day. Let’s be honest, I do not cross every line on that list every day, I have been guilty of being too ambitious on a number of occasions, but this has been really helpful to me What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in? Research, research and research. Once you are done researching, research again. It is critical to learn about products, techniques, new trends, what works, does not work and also about your clients. If you do not spend time maintaining your knowledge, someone else will, and your business will fast become obsolete. I also believe in mentorship. I crave mentors and their advice. It is important to talk to people who can give you sound advice, who have done it before you and made mistakes of their own that you can learn from. If you get the opportunity, try and also become a mentor, “new” entrepreneurs can learn from your experiences and advice. Networking is at the top of the list too, it creates meaningful connections and opportunities that can aid with the growth of your business. It gives you a chance to build your brand’s reputation by providing others with information. Who has been your greatest inspiration? I tend to find inspiration in people around me but if I had to choose one person, it would be my mom. She was always pushing forward. If she ever became too comfortable, she took that as an indication to move on to something more challenging. Whatever she decided to accomplish, she always did, even if it took longer than anticipated or was harder than expected. She got it done.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? I would have to say that the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur are strategic thinking, networking and resilience.
Resilience, as it will not always be smooth sailing. There will be challenges, rejections, slow progress, at times no progress at all. In dealing with that, you will need to be able to push forward regardless.
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Networking because unless one can afford mass advertising, it is extremely difficult to increase brand awareness without it.
END OF SUMMER ISSUE
Strategic thinking in finding ways to navigate unfamiliar ‘territories’ in creating opportunities for growth, as well as finding solutions and being resourceful
Source: Unsplashed
HER STORY By Zinzi Samuels - Creative Producer samules.zinzi@gmail.com // @zinzi_____
It's surreal how your five year old self turns out to be the hero of your own story. Well for me, she is. With an early found patriotic desire to reclaim Caribbean architecture, I pursued my undergraduate at the Caribbean School of Architecture. Thereafter, flexed my creative muscles in advertising post my studies in Communication in Madrid. Thereafter, found myself in the Director's chair on sets. It's mind-boggling how this timid 5-y-o bloomed into a multi-hyphenate creative, perhaps it was after finding her confidence through art. I've found it's healthy to reflect on life's patterns which have made you who you are. Coupled with my preconditioning as a creative by the age of five, you know, building dolls' furniture from workshop scraps to completing senior students' art work as directed by my teacher, what further armed me with the tenacity to thrive in this evolving world is my bi-classical background.
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Nurtured in a co-parenting environment; my father afforded me an upper-middle class lifestyle, while my reality flipped to the humility of my mother's livelihood. Switching from my own bathroom to pulling my chimney from under the bed at nights came as just my ability to navigate life's extremities. My mixed upbringing grew a muscle I find most people have yet to discover.
Today when I find myself launching an online coaching series for young creatives, the Naked Creative Project while developing brand content as a Creative Director whilst traversing unplumbed paths documenting underrepresented people's stories it could be professed that life is a full-circle carousel only limited to the unused ticket too many of us hold on to. My courses have spun me into living in Spain and India radically allowing me to adjust my biases and broaden my outlook as a small islander. Fast-forward to now, my passion project Production Z, is a venture capturing a collection of nonfiction stories in audio-visual formats, where underrepresented people are the protagonists. Though funded out of pocket, my aim is to have a few available on Netflix, among the lauded Street Food and Sex and Love documentaries. I fully believe that I am poised to kickstart a new wave. The global audience wants a ride and it's for me to generate the current. Churning in my creative-lab are: interviews asked by millennials answered by centenarians. Podcasts on a day in the life of everyday Jamaicans who contribute to the cultural footprint. A "How to" series of mundane things done in different ways across cultures. Having rubbed shoulders with a radical range of people, engaging people in the leisure of Escapism through digital media has been the it factor. I believe my life journeys have fortified me to create a legacy society can consume and stimulate a "re-humanising revolution". So much so that if a girl reads my story it's epiphanous for her to realize she has already chartered her own story and as life will inevitably throw things your way to have compassion knowing it will all make sense one day.
Silo Wellness debuts
Marley One
Silo Wellness Debuts Marley One, the First Global Functional and Psychedelic Mushroom Brand, in Collaboration with the Bob Marley Family.
Silo Wellness Inc., a leading global psychedelics company, announced the launch of Marley One, the first global functional and psychedelic mushroom consumer brand, in collaboration with the family of legendary musician Bob Marley. The initial product offering will include a range of functional mushroom tinctures with unique blends highlighting the brand’s connection to Jamaica, including species such as cordyceps, lion's mane, chaga, reishi and turkey tail that offer a range of unique health and wellness benefits, from immunity and gut health to cognitive function and sleep enhancement. The Company intends to launch a psychedelic mushroom product line under the Marley name later this year, to be followed by additional functional mushroom products including gummies, capsules and cosmetics.
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In March, Silo Wellness announced a multi-year licensing agreement with the family of global reggae icon Bob Marley for the exclusive worldwide rights to brand, market and sell a distinct product line of functional and psychedelic mushrooms. “Today is a significant milestone for our company as we introduce the world to Marley One, a portfolio of branded mushroom products with instant name recognition and global visibility honouring Bob Marley’s legacy and connection to nature and plant-based wellbeing,” said Silo Wellness CEO Douglas K. Gordon. “We are building what will become the world’s first global functional and psychedelic mushroom brand, guided by our vision to help people achieve healthier, more fulfilling lives and become the best versions of themselves.”
“We know Bob would be proud of what we’re building with Silo Wellness and the Marley One brand,” said Rita Marley. “Our family has always revered the ancient history and transformative potential of nature’s gifts.” At launch, the Marley One product line includes: • One Mind: A coffee-flavoured blend of lion’s mane and L-theanine designed to improve focus and cognitive function. • One Flow: A peppermint-flavoured blend of cordyceps and ginseng designed to enhance physical endurance and mental function. • One Harmony: A mango-flavoured blend of chaga and ginger designed to stimulate gut health and improve digestion. • One Body: A berry-flavoured blend of turkey tail and astragalus designed to support immune health. • One Rest: A vanilla-flavoured blend of reishi and GABA designed to help reduce tension and stress and improve quality of sleep.
Founded in 2018, Silo Wellness is a ‘spore-to-door’ vertically integrated company and the leading psilocybin cultivator and facilitator of psychedelic retreats in Jamaica, a jurisdiction where the cultivation, extraction, and consumption of psilocybin mushrooms is permissible. In 2019, the Company announced proof of concept of a patent-pending psilocybin nasal spray. In addition to its market-leading mushroom and psilocybin products, Silo Wellness conducts ketamineassisted retreats in Oregon and recently expanded its psychedelic offerings to introduce 5-MeO-DMT-enhanced retreats across Jamaica. Said Cedella Marley, CEO of Bob Marley Group of Companies, “As a family, we seek to use our platform to inspire positive change, and the launch of the Marley One mushroom brand, in collaboration with a pioneering company like Silo Wellness, allows us to do just that by marrying ancient wisdom with modern science. It’s our wish that these products will empower people to experience oneness with nature and the universe at large - and ultimately, achieve greater selfactualization.” For more information or to purchase Marley One products online, visit www.marleyone.com
Silo Wellness offers a diverse and growing portfolio of functional mushroom products, psychedelic wellness retreats in Jamaica and Oregon, cultivation of psychedelic mushrooms and truffles in Jamaica, development of a brickand-mortar smart shop in Jamaica, and intellectual property, focused initially on the commercialization of its metereddosing psilocybin nasal spray. In March 2021, Silo Wellness announced a multi-year licensing agreement with the family of legendary musician Bob Marley for the exclusive worldwide rights to brand, market and sell a distinct product line of functional and psychedelic mushrooms. The Marley One line of functional mushrooms is available at www.marleyone.com For more information about Silo Wellness, please visit www. silowellness.com. ABOUT SILO WELLNESS Silo Wellness is a growth-oriented holding company focused on functional mushroom and psychedelic opportunities that benefit from a unified ecosystem and exceptional leadership. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Toronto, Silo Wellness has operations in Jamaica and Oregon. Silo Wellness is a publicly-traded company on the Canadian (CSE: SILO) and Frankfurt (FRA: CK70) exchanges and trading on the OTC market (OTC: SILFF).
ABOUT MARLEY MERCHANDISING LLC. The Marley brand honours the timeless values of Bob Marley by uniting people around the world under the banner of One Love. Marley Merchandising, LLC, a wholly-owned Marley family entity, owns, licenses and markets a portfolio of Marley consumer brands globally, including: House of Marley, Marley Beverage Co, Marley Natural®, Marley Kitchen®, Marley Coffee®, and Bob Marley®. For more information, visit bobmarley.com and @bobmarley on social media.
POSHlifestyle
Ways
to live
better this
Summer By Aimee Campos
As the temperatures rise and the summer days get longer, the list of summer possibilities seems endless. Whether it’s a trip with a couple of girlfriends, a new exercise routine, a weekend at the beach, or just spending time with family you haven’t seen in a while, there are so many ways to enjoy this summer to the fullest. It’s always important to honor yourself, too. Oftentimes, we can forget about ourselves in the excitement of the summer and what it could bring in terms of plans. However, there can be so much done during the summer to better our lives in the longrun. Here are 6 ways to live better this summer...and get a little sun while you’re at it!
Take a Trip! Summer always calls for exploration. Whether you want to go solo, with family, a significant other, or hanging out with your friends, a trip is never a bad idea for the summer! It doesn’t even have to be anywhere far or out of the way. Even just a trip to your local beach, a restaurant that’s a little farther out, or visiting family. A trip will lead to amazing memories and a chance to switch up the same old day routine!
Unplug! It’s no secret we’ve all grown pretty dependent on our phones. Did you know the average smartphone user unlocks their phones about 150 times in a day? Whether we’re checking our emails, scrolling social media, trying to answer the group chat with our friends, or anything else, we’ve gotten used to having our phone on hand. Unplugging from your phone and enjoying the moment is essential to living better this summer. We often get so into our phones that we forget to cherish the moment we’re living in and the company we’re with. So turn off the phone and you’ll see what a difference it makes this summer! 1
https://techjury.net/blog/smartphone-addiction-statistics/#gref
Get a New Workout Routine! Summer is the perfect chance to try out activities that have you outdoors and moving! The temperatures can get the best of you, so make sure to have proper hydration, and maybe even wait until the sun sets during days where the heat is just a little too much! A few of our favorite summer activities to work up a sweat include walking, going for a hike, trying a new dance class, taking swimming lessons, going for a swim at your friends’ pool, playing some tennis or softball, and going for a bike ride around your neighborhood! Trying out a new exercise can not only help work a sweat, but the endorphins will lead to an instant mood increase!
Have a Spa Day! We want to pamper ourselves this summer, and you should, too. Maybe the rising temperatures aren’t for everyone, so staying inside with a nice fan and your favorite face mask is the way to go. You could even invite a couple of girlfriends over and turn it into a spa hangout day. Stock up on your favorite face masks, snacks, and drinks, and you’ll be good to go! We could never say no to a cooling aloe mask and a big bowl of yummy fruit! Apply that SPF! We would be doing a disservice if we didn’t include one of the most important tips to live better this summer. Applying your daily doses of sunscreen are essential to continue to do your favorite summer activities without having to suffer from the harsh rays the sun brings. An estimated 90 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun , so we’ll be slathering on sunscreen all summer long to avoid the harsh rays and keep skin radiant and protected! 3
Change up Your Diet! We don’t just want to live better this summer, we also want to feel better. During the summer heat, we naturally gravitate to cool and fresh foods. Incorporate more fruits and veggies to your diet this summer to feel the instant benefits of a diet full of healthy variety and flavor! Yogurt and fruits, acai bowls, fresh salads with crisp vegetables, or even just a plate of sliced cucumbers with a little lime juice could be a refreshing and light snack to help you feel cool and satisfied during the hot temperatures! As we are sweating a lot during the summer, foods that hydrate a lot, like cucumber, watermelon, tomatoes, oranges, lettuce, coconut, and grapefruit are just a few of the foods that can be incorporated in your diet to make sure you feel hydrated and nourished! All of the foods mentioned above are made up of more than 90% water! 2
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-hydrating-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_19
https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
Get Your Sleep On! I know what you’re thinking. Sleeping? During summer? In the midst of all the new fun activities you’re doing, the summer is also a perfect time to catch up on your sleep. A lot of people usually don’t think about this, but summer can lead to extra time away from school and work, so you can take a chance to catch up on your nighttime routine. Adults between 18 and 64 need between seven to nine hours of sleep a night, and we can safely say this is not always accomplished when it comes to the daily routine of life in other seasons. However, summer gives us a chance to take a step back, take a break, and skip the routine. So use this hot summer season to catch up on your sleep, and watch how quickly this changes your mood, energy, and overall health! Summer calls for being outside, traveling, hanging out with friends and family, and so much more. We always want to make sure we’re staying hydrated and having fun, so we hope the tips above help you round out your schedule with exciting activities. And of course, be sure to keep reapplying that SPF! 4
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/sleep-facts-statistics
of the Caribbean's
Sexiest Men
Caribbean men are so sexy; we had a difficult time choosing our favorites. Nonetheless, here you have it—our list of the eleven of the Caribbean’s sexiest men.
Ashley Cole Join us in the Caribbean for warm sun and hot men starting with Barbadian-British former football player Ashley Cole. The former football player most notably for his time with Premier League clubs Chelsea and Arsenal, the former with whom he presently serves in the coaching staff for the U15 team. Cole does seem to have a reputation with the ladies. In 2008 his marriage to Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy was on the rocks after allegations of affairs with three other women. Three months later the couple did divorce following more allegations. He currently has two children with Italian model Sharon Canu.
Source: Instagram
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Skip Marley Okay, there's some enchanting mystery about reggae artists that we can't get a hold of. Jamaican singer-songwriter, Skip Marley is the son of Cedella Marley and David Minto, and grandson of Bob Marley. He just can’t help it that he is just so fine. The self-taught piano, drum, guitar, and bass player has far more than his last name going for him. No doubt I wouldn’t mind him strumming his guitar and singing to me while relaxing on secluded beach. He became hugely popular following his collaboration with Katy Perry's 2017 single "Chained to the Rhythm"and most recently his very sexy single “Slow Down” featuring R&B artist HER.
Source: Instagram
POSHlifestyle
Hector Lincoln Coming from a Cuban/Jamaican background, Hector Lincoln is the son of well known Politician, Diplomat and Journalist Hector Wynter and Artist and former Model Diana. Raised between Lakeworth Florida and Kingston Jamaica he comes from a large family that includes three brothers and two sisters. The successful model and actor who is widely known in the Caribbean from his time at TEMPO -- is just absolutely gorgeous.
Sean Paul Jamaican Dancehall artiste and producer Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques is someone I’ve been crushing on from back when he had braces. A beautiful mix of Portuguese, Afro-Jamaican, and Chinese-Jamaican – Sean is still handsome as ever. RRR! I see you … After his career sky rocketed, in 2021 Paul married his long-term girlfriend Jodi Stewart, a Jamaican TV host. They have two beautiful children, Levi the couple’s first born son and their daughter Remi.
Source: Jesse Royal Press Assets Source: Instagram
Jesse Royal Reggae singer Jesse Royal's dark skin is so darn sexy! His sleek appearance, accentuated by his thick long locs and sharp eyes just makes you want to say “yes rasta! Royal's prowess in reggae music tops it all up! We love, love everything about him. END OF SUMMER ISSUE 41
Damian Marley The Marleys have their looks going well for them, and Damian Marley is no exception. Welcome to Jam Rock! It’s his eyes and those long beautiful locs for me. What one wouldn’t do for a chance to shampoo them? The three time Grammy award winning artist -- the youngest son of the legendary Bob Marley today is doting father to his Elijah. I have a feeling the legend will definitely live on.
Source: GQ Magazine
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Source: IMDb
Micheal Ward Jamaican-born Micheal Ward is one of the sexiest dark-skinned Caribbean men of our time. Micheal Ward is always at the top of his game in the movie industry, clinching so many notable awards. The most recent one is the British Academy Television Awards for bestsupporting actor. He appears to be for the most part low key and just effortlessly sexy.
Tyson Beckford Oh my gosh, can you believe Tyson Beckford is 50! Best known as a Ralph Lauren Polo model, he has been described as one of the most successful black male supermodels of all time. Beckford was born in Rochester, New York on December 19, 1970 to an Afro-Jamaican mother, Hillary Dixon Hall and a Panamanian father of Afro-Jamaican and Chinese-Jamaican descent, Lloyd Beckford. Soon after he was born, his mother took the family back to Jamaica, where they lived for seven years before returning to Rochester, New York, where he attended and graduated from Pittsford Mendon High School. During his school years, Tyson was often teased about his looks. So what do we know of the sexy model and actor now? Beckford has a son (born in 1998) from a previous relationship with celebrity stylist April Roomet, who appears on the E! Television program Candy Girls. Beckford is an ambassador for the non-profit Kick 4 Life, an organization that uses the power of soccer to engage vulnerable youth in holistic care and support in Lesotho.
POSHlifestyle
Jimmy Jean-Louis Jimmy Jean-Louis is a Haitian actor and producer best known for his role as "the Haitian" on the NBC television series Heroes. Born in Pétion-Ville, he moved to Paris at a young age with his family in search of a better life. Now settled in Losa Angeles, for us Caribbean nationals, his most important role to date is playing the title character in Toussaint Louverture. I don’t know about you, but his eyes are speaking to me. The fact that he is fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, Haitian Creole, and English just makes him that more attractive. The Ambassador-at-Large to Haiti is married to his wife, Evelyn, and they have three children.
Adam Rodríquez It is probably fair to say that in just about every TV role he played he proudly represented his Puerto Rican and Cuban roots. CSI: Miami baby! He was my guy! Rodriguez currently splits his time between New York City and Los Angeles, and he has a third residence in Puerto Rico. He is happily married to model Grace Gail since 2016. They have three children, including son Bridgemont Bernard Rodriguez who was born on March 16, 2020.
Roberto Hernández The rather yummy looking Roberto Hernández is a presenter, model, actor, and social media influencer, he was born in Cuba but raised in Mexico and is 33 years old. He became popular during 2016, when he became a presenter on the social networks of the Sal y Pimienta program. Now, he can be seen as a backstage host on UNIVISION’s Falling in love.
Like beauty, sexy is in the eyes of the beholder. However, the men in this article have defiled that law, dishing us large doses of sexiness that no one can resist. What does sexy mean to you? Who's your favorite sexy Caribbean male? Tell us! Join the chat on FACEBOOK @caribbeanposh
PRE-WORKOUT
SMOOTHIE Iced Coffees You don’t need to be a professional barista to make those delicious summer refreshers and iced coffees that you can’t get enough of. With BlendJet, it’s easy to ditch that drive-thru addiction in favor of something both tastier and healthier! Whether it’s a white mocha, a pumpkin spice, or a classic iced caramel macchiato, BlendJet has the latest recipes to keep our thirst quenched this season. It is so powerful, it can easily turn ice & frozen fruit into a refreshing & healthy smoothie. It delivers amazing results with so many food & drink types. The on-thego blender is a must-have for quick smoothies, dips, dressings, and sides, cocktails and so much more.
PRE-WORKOUT SMOOTHIE Less than 5 minutes Makes 1 serving INGREDIENTS • 2 shots (2 oz) espresso • 1 cup milk of choice • 2 Tbsp pumpkin purée • 1 Tbsp maple syrup • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract • 1/4 tsp pumpkin spice • Ice, float to top • Coconut whipped cream, for topping • Cinnamon, for topping DIRECTIONS Add espresso, milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice to the BlendJet. Add ice until the liquid floats to the top. Blend for 1 cycle. Top with coconut whipped cream and cinnamon.
PRE-WORKOUT SMOOTHIE Less than 5 minutes Makes 1 serving – 251 Calories per serving INGREDIENTS • 3/4 cup plant-based milk • 1/4 cup frozen bananas • 1/4 cup frozen blueberries • 1/4 cup oats • 1/4 tsp cinnamon DIRECTIONS Add all ingredients to your BlendJet and blend for 2-3 cycles, or until smooth!
FOOD&drinks
BLENDED ICED CARAMEL MACCHIATO Less than 5 minutes Makes 1 serving INGREDIENTS • 2 shots (2 oz) espresso • 1 cup milk of choice • 1 Tbsp caramel • 1 Tbsp maple syrup, optional • 1 tsp vanilla extract • Ice, float to top • Coconut whipped cream, for topping • Caramel, for topping DIRECTIONS Add espresso, milk, caramel, maple syrup, and vanilla to the Blend Jet. Add ice until the liquid floats to the top. Blend for 1 cycle. Top with coconut whipped cream and caramel.
WHITE MOCHA Less than 5 minutes Makes 1 serving INGREDIENTS • 2 shots (2 oz) espresso • 1 cup milk of choice • 2 Tbsp white chocolate syrup of choice • Ice, float to top • Coconut whipped cream, for topping • White chocolate, for topping DIRECTIONS Add espresso, milk, and white chocolate syrup to the Blend Jet. Add ice until the liquid floats to the top. Blend for 1 cycle. Top with coconut whipped cream and white chocolate.
END OF SUMMER ISSUE 45
POSHlifestyle MUSIC + FILM
Following QUEEN of Dancehall Spice
on Social Media
If you have been following Queen of Dancehall Spice on social media (@spiceofficial), you know that she has been teasing the hashtag #SSS. Many speculated as to what the hashtag meant, and finally it has been revealed! “Go Down Deh” is the newest release from Spice and features Shaggy and Sean Paul. The tgrack will be followed by Spice’s highly anticipated debut album entitled TEN which is slated for release on July 30th – additional details will soon be announced. Produced by Grammy Award nominee, Costi Ionita and Shaggy and written by Spice, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Costi and Shane Hoosong, “Go Down Deh” - the rhythmically pulsating earworm - brings together this iconic Jamaican trio for an unprecedented collaboration set to take summer by storm.
Working with Sean and Shaggy is one of the biggest milestones of my career! They are both International giants in our genre and I’m honored to have created such a historic moment by being one of the first artists to have them collaborate on a track together.
- Spice says Also a breakout star of VH1’s Love & Hip Hop Atlanta and a successful entrepreneur, Spice has established a name for herself in both beauty and fashion with a make-up line, Faces and Laces and clothing collection, Graci Noir.
99FM
TO BRIDGE JAMAICANS AT HOME WITH THE DIASPORA NY: In a blockbuster move that some say is a definite game changer in radio broadcasting, the Caribbean Global Network (CGN) Group, the operators of Queens, New York-based IRIE Jam Radio will in July this year, launch a brand new radio station in Jamaica called The Bridge 99FM. 99FM was previously owned by the RJR communications group. Director of the CGN Group, Bobby Clarke, who made the announcement recently disclosed that The Bridge will simulcast on IRIE Jam Radio, 93.5 FM – WVIP in the tri-state area and will connect Jamaica's at home with the Jamaican Diaspora in the USA. Speaking about the new station, Clake said "The Bridge will satisfy the insatiable need for extensive community news, information, entertainment, and lifestyle media coverage. Listeners can expect The Bridge to deliver content that closes the divide between home and abroad by sharing news, culture, and creating opportunities beyond the border thanks to a limitless flow of information. The station’s HD video format will stream globally, one of the only Caribbean outlets to provide that level of access" he stated. "By taking advantage of the vast listenership that IRIE Jam has in the tri-state area, we have created the perfect conduit for information sharing between Jamaica and its extensive Diaspora of over 2 million people in the TriState area. The Diaspora has always been an invaluable source of support for Jamaicans at home, we are simply seeking to amplify that relationship to help build communities and the economy” Clarke explained. He said The Bridge will "create access for more trade of goods and services, providing resources from its Diaspora, while highlighting Jamaica’s rich music culture, and plethora of dynamic attributes. The new station will target 25-75 year old Jamaicans, across all socio-economic groups at home and first, second and third generation Jamaicans in the Diaspora who want to maintain a strong link to Jamaica. Irie Jam Media Group which was founded 28 years ago by Clarke broadcasts daily on WVIP, 93.5FM, and targets over the two million Jamaican/Caribbean nationals living within the United States.
LilaIké
delivers Call-To-Action message to protect Our Children in brand new single:
“Batty Rider Shorts” Lila Iké continues to turn heads as one of the most promising stars. The fast-rising songbird hailing from Jamaica unleashes her first single “Batty Rider Shorts” since the release of her 2020 debut EP The Experience. The powerful song (produced by Ziah .Push) carries an important message of responsibility to protect and nurture our youth. “Batty Rider Shorts” addresses child sex trafficking and pedophilia, a recurring issue worldwide, but one particularly close to Lila’s heart as it has been ravaging her native country. There has been an alarming rate of missing young girls, murder, rape and reports of child molestation over the past year alone. The singer, who is known for her genrefusing blend of reggae, R&B, dancehall and hip hop, talks about the song’s significance. “My hope is that a little girl who doesn't understand why a particular man is being so nice to her might hear a song like this and wonder ‘Hmm, I wonder if he's trying to...’ because a lot of young girls are just not socialized into healthy relationships.”
She continues, “I think it's very important to speak about these things. The history of our music was a medium for bringing information to the people, especially reggae music. We can have fun, listen to party and dance music and songs about love, but we still have real issues that need to be addressed too." The Jamaican singer shared a personal story behind the song. “I have been writing ‘Batty Rider Shorts’ for over a period of four years. This song was inspired by a situation I observed within my community. An innocent child (age 10 or so) who I would often sit and speak with about life and give words of encouragement (even whilst I was a child myself ) eventually was taken advantage of by someone who should have been looking out for her. I was moved to tears on my drive back from the country as I thought about how her light became infiltrated by the dark energies that are hovering over children everyday, all over the world. We need to all be more responsible as a community, as friends, as parents, as extended family and just as people. Look out for each other but most importantly our children.”
48 CARIBBEANPOSH.COM
The powerful track (produced by Ziah .Push) is her first original solo song since the release of her 2020 debut EP The Experience. A visual, directed by Dezignr Studios is out now.
Jesse
ROYAL One of Jamaica’s most charismatic young stars – released his sophomore album Royal via Easy Star Records. The singersongwriter has been a key player in the island’s current reggae movement along with his contemporaries Chronixx, Protoje, and Koffee, and returns this summer with his modern take on the genre. On Royal, Jesse’s messages are rich and conscious, possessing the fervor of reggae and Rastafari at its core while mixing in elements from a multitude of genres. “On this album you will hear elements of hip-hop, jazz, blues, Afrobeats and dancehall but reggae is the backbone that holds everything in place. We can’t run from the authentic energy and vibes bestowed upon us by the Most High because that is what makes us great; there are things that you learn along the way, but greatness is when you know yourself,” Jesse says about Royal. Jesse collaborated with like-minded colleagues to let the creativity flow. He tapped guest vocalists from the incarcerated dancehall legend Vybz Kartel, Grammy-nominated reggae star Protoje, Ghanian lyricist Stonebwoy, former Raging Fyah lead vocalist Kumar, rising Jamaican singer Samory I and the island’s versatile artist/producer Runkus on the 11-track set. The Royal album incorporates live instrumentation and programmed riffs, experimental and traditional sounds, all of which contribute to Jesse’s most impressive body of work to date. The rich production features Grammy-winning Sean Alaric (responsible for Koffee's "Throne" and Teyana Taylor's "Bad") who produced over half the album, along with Jesse Royal himself, Natural High, Dretegs, iotosh, Yared Lee, Romario Bennett (also known as Runkus) and Wayne Thompson.
The LP follows his 2017 debut Lily of Da Valley, which held the #1 spot on U.S. Billboard Reggae Album chart for consecutive weeks, but Royal is a much more liberating album for Jesse. “I was way tamer of an individual on my previous album,” says Jesse of Lily of Da Valley. “This album is much freer. We tried interesting melodies that I probably didn’t trust before and I expressed things that I typically wouldn’t, so that’s also why we called this project Royal. Because reggae is truth music –we burn certain fire, but we don’t want to be labeled as people who only do one thing because music doesn’t really have a specific language, mood or a message, the artist imparts that,” he adds. The messages delivered throughout Royal are militant yet divinely inspired, profoundly moving and politically provocative. Whether he “dismantles Rastafarian stereotypes” (Billboard) on “Natty Pablo,” reaffirms African excellence with rapid-fire rhymes on “Black” or “contemplates the true meaning of wealth outside of material goods” (The Fader) on “Rich Forever” feat. Vybz Kartel, the lyrics on Royal run deep. New York Times proclaims to “play loud” and chose the latter song as “music to cook to.” His rebel spirit and edge are evident, appealing to the next generation fighting for change. The release also unveils a softer side of Jesse on the romantic single “Natty Dread” celebrating his love for his ride-or-die lady and on the standout track “Home,” a heart-wrenching letter to his daughters explaining his absence in their lives while he is on the road touring as a musician. Through vivid storytelling rooted in the belief of a universal truth, Jesse Royal’s music carries a message of hope, strength, love, and consciousness.
Jahvillani By: Sherina Russell-Garcia
The newest star in Jamaica’s dancehall galaxy Jahvillani represents the refreshing, red-hot and youthful smooth sound era of the genre with all its’ diamond dimensions. A true masterful and musical street soldier from Great Pond St. Ann, the twenty-six year old with government name Dujon Mario Edwards marches unapologetically to his own captivating lyrical beat, steadily etching a moniker for himself especially from his early hit “Wileside Govament”. Armed with humility and transparency, he speaks through his musical calling to reflect accurately the real-life facets of the Jamaican society. From the hypnotic “Smooth” with Skillibeng which could easily be a triple X rated ode to Shabba Ranks 90’s dancehall hit “Trailer Load A Girls” to the gritty “Gangsta”, Jahvillani’s star has arrived. Multifaceted as a song writer and fashion-forward artiste since 2013, one of his early songs “Clarks pon Foot“, found resonance and relevance to young men who share a fierce appreciation for the popular shoe, placing Jahvillani at the apex of the dancehall fashion arena, giving him the props to represent the men well on stage, and in his music videos.
Always up to the time, he seeks to have his fans entertained and engaged as with his latest pre-summer single “Time Bomb” done with Wasp which is enjoying great popularity right now.
CP: What are some strategies during the pandemic that your music management team have been implementing so that your music is still being enjoyed by fans worldwide?
For Caribbean POSH, I recently interviewed Jahvillani to discover what makes him tick, as well as to uncover various aspects of his personality unknown to fans that will activate the appreciation button more for this great artiste as he releases his new album Dirt to Bentley this summer.
Jahvillani: “We aim to stay current, remain relevant and release quality music. The pandemic has shown us more than ever, that music can be enjoyed even through a virtual world, and as such, we also have ramped up the marketing by penetrating the Spotify market, and by forming more relations with the corporate world. “
CP: What do you believe is your greatest joy on your musical journey right now?
CP: Where is your favourite place to perform and why? Jahvillani: “I don’t have a favorite place per se, but I did enjoy performing at Ghetto Splash and Chug It.”
Jahvillani: “My greatest joy is the exposure that comes with the success of my passion. Music is a medium to connect with so many people all over the world. One day you’re just a “likkle yout”, and another day you’re a star.” CP: How young were you when you first envisioned your life as an artiste? Jahvillani: “15 years old.” CP: What do you think your fans love most about your music? Jahvillani: “I think they love how real my music is, and the unique sound or what some people would refer to as the country accent.” CP: What do you appreciate about your music? Jahvillani: “I appreciate most that I am my own voice, that my music is simply who I am personified.” CP: How would you describe your personality in five words?”
CP: What motivates your music? Jahvillani: “My life’s journey is my biggest motivation. My music tells a story about my life and life as we know it in Jamaica.” CP: How would you describe your music? Jahvillani: “As I would’ve said earlier, my music is simply a story of life. Sometimes that story is an upbeat vibe for my female fans, and other times it’s about the hardships of life, the good and the bad and the success of it all. “ CP: Which artistes have been your main influences and why? Jahvillani: “My main influences would be Buju Banton and Vybz Kartel because while they would have served two different eras of dancehall and they remained relevant and maintained their image as two dancehall legends. “ CP: Which artistes have been your favourite to collaborate with on so far and who do you wish to collaborate with next?
Jahvillani: “Reserved, hardworking, passionate, caring, creative.” CP: Pre-Covid 19 pandemic, what did you enjoy most about performing on stage?
Jahvillani: “ I don’t have a favorite to be honest, but what I will say is that any and every artiste I have collaborated with was always a good vybe working together and doing what we love. “
Jahvillani: “To be able to interact with fans, and the vibes of just being outside.”
CP: When was the first time you heard your music, and how did you feel?
Jahvillani: “I was about 20. I felt accomplished, like I have made something that I can be proud of, and I knew this was only the start of something great. “ CP: Reminiscing, what are thoughts about your first single “Hold a Vibez” as well as “Wile and Done” and how they made a critical impact on the direction of your musical career? Jahvillani: “They were fairly good at the time being completely new to the world of music, but I can definitely say I have matured a lot. I have come a long way and those singles I believe helped me to grow to become the artist I am today. Only up from here. “ CP: Which single is the favourite of most of your fans to date?
CP: How do you feel about being among the newest generation of dancehall artistes who are representing dancehall well? Jahvillani: “I feel honoured. The youths are the future, and I am glad to be a part of this movement and it is my hope to help break ground for more young artistes.” CP: What have you taken from the older generation of dancehall artistes to add to your style, and lyrical delivery?
Jahvillani: “I think Wileside Govament is their favourite. It definitely has and is continuing to expose me and my music to all over the world. “
Jahvillani: “The older generation is the foundation so we have to adapt their basic style of delivery, the hard-core feel and vibe that they brought to dancehall and their stage craft. With that foundation mixed with our new melody and creativity, we carry on the legacy of dancehall.”
CP: What do you love most about your single “Clarks pon Foot” and what inspired the song?
CP: How does your music effectively represent issues in the society?
Jahvillani: “I loved that it gave hustlers the opportunity to make even more money. I love wearing Clarks from a long time so I was inspired just by my love for the shoes. “
Jahvillani: “Just like my name ‘Jahvillani’ is a fusion of Jah which is good and villani, a twist on villain- the bad, similarly, my music represents the good and bad of society. From stories of success to stories of hardship and violence, I try to touch on everything that I see around me while providing people with an outlet to destress and to simply enjoy life while we can.
CP: What do you love most about fashion and utilising it in your music videos as well as on stage? Jahvillani: “Fashion is a statement. Your choice in fashion is to help convey whatever image and style that fits your brand. Personally, I like to keep it simple, especially when performing, however for music videos, I do sometimes have to switch it up, if the song requires that. “
CP: What do you like to do to relax?
CP: Do you write your own lyrics?
Jahvillani: “Fried green plantain and curry conch.”
Jahvillani: “Yes, all the time.”
CP: What do you love most about growing up in the garden parish?
CP: Fans are enjoying your latest single “Time Bomb” what did you enjoy most about creating the music video, and what do fans love most about the single?
Jahvillani: “Smoke weed.” CP: What are some of your favourite foods?
Jahvillani: “I was featured on Time Bomb with Wasp. It was truly Wasp’s creativity, but I definitely enjoyed acting the role given to me, and I think the fans simply love the creativity of it all.”
Jahvillani: “Country life ah the best life. From the beaches and the rivers just being a stone throw away to the camaraderie of your fellow brothers, I don’t feel like I would have developed that level of togetherness and shared experiences anywhere else. “ CP: How do you feel about hailing from St. Ann the birthplace of greats like Bob Marley and Marcus Garvey?
CP: Do you have an active role in the creation of your music video concepts?
Jahvillani: “I feel like another great one, like a legacy has been bestowed upon me and it is just for me to fulfil my destiny.”
Jahvillani: “It is usually a team effort, to ensure that the video is creatively bringing across the message of my songs.”
CP: What would you like your legacy to be?
CP: Would you consider yourself a young sex symbol through your music?
Jahvillani: “I would like to leave an impact, to be a symbol of success to the youths and for them to always know that you can achieve success by following your passion. “
Jahvillani: “I make song for the girls and the girls love me so…..”
CP: What’s next for Jahvillani?
CP: What do female fans love about your music and lyrics, and which singles are their favourite?
Jahvillani: “More music, more money, more life my Album “Dirt to Bentley” Out July 9th on VP Records.”
Jahvillani: “From the get go, the girls love because mi a bad man lol. The truth is women love confidence and I feel my music and my lyrics embody confidence and suave so the girls can’t help but to love me. I definitely think ‘Nuh Reason’ is still a favourite for girls and also “Sunday to Sunday”.
Photographer: Wade Rhoden Creative Director + Editing: Stephanie Chin Design: Rebecca Lovinsquy Stylist: Tamo Ennis