Entertainment Bazaar Volume 1 by Entertainment Bizaar

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er small frame and quiet stance might make her almost unnoticeable, that is, until she steps up to the deejay booth. Sizzlin’ in style and in appeal, she’s also sizzlin’ on the sounds!

Editorial Introduction You were screaming out for something new, something different, something attractive, and interesting to read. We heard you! We are so excited to bring you this first installment of our bi-monthly entertainment magazine – Entertainment Bazaar! What you’ll find here is an in depth look at “who’s who” in Antigua’s entertainment world, upcoming artistes, fashion finds, fun reviews, people profiles, and trendy creations from Antigua’s very own. We’ve assembled a team of excellent writers, creative graphic geniuses and some curious minds to find out what’s hot and what’s not. In this inaugural issue, headlined by Antigua’s #1 mad entertainer Krokkuss, we bring you a sneak peak at imminent superstar Tian Winter. Daina Barnes gets ready to go for the big time, while Shermain Jeremy, fresh from the launch of her new album keeps things interesting for Antigua regionally and internationally. When it comes to mixing business with entertainment, fashion, and couture, Wardadli Souljah’s keep it “REAL”, while the ladies of Fashionista show us what it takes to turn love of beauty and individuality into a moneymaking female run empire. Opinionated? So are we. We tell you what we think about the latest movies and the latest happenings in society. On the fun side, check out our featured “hot spot” or “cool spot”. Each has a flavor all its own. Haven’t done anything heart stopping lately? Try ATV’ing. In the lounge, things get interesting, love denied and lyrical soul searching take the fore. Quiet artistic genius is spotlighted with the likes of Tameka Jarvis George and Marc Brown, and as for characters, we’ve got them! We’ve also got faces you can’t forget.

This is Entertainment Bazaar! Read on!

In a man’s world this young woman has asserted herself and her all female sound Sistah SoulJahs as a force to be reckoned with. Ranked Antigua’s number one female deejay, DD is all about the music as she’s locked to three regular radio spots every week. As her fame on the sound continues to rise, so do her gigs. Having recently hosted the successful Hoody Affair for her birthday, she took the fun to Anguilla in May, and is exploring carrying it to St. Kitts. “After family, God, and friends”, music is “VERY IMPORTANT” to her. In January she got the opportunity to mix with other female deejays from Trinidad and the US at the inaugural Girl Power, an event that is anticipated to become annual. EB: Who got you into music? DD: My MOM, Iris. Growing up she had a big stereo and a large Cassette/ CD collection. ... Ranging from Soca, Soul, R&B, and predominantly REGGAE! My brothers as well, they were mostly into reggae and dancehall ... called rockers back then. EB: Why did you decide to start mixing music, rather than creating your own? DD: Me cyan sing (she laughs). My older brother Shawn collected live recordings on local sound systems here. My mother would always “cuss” him ‘bout the language from the MC. I thought it was funny and entertaining. I started stealing his tapes and CDs (God he go kill me if this come out lol), and I started to learn the different Riddims and artistes. EB: When was this? DD: When I was still going to the TOR Memorial. EB: Whoa! When did you actually begin mixing? DD: Professionally in 2006. Under wraps ... about nine years ago. ... When I reached high school (AGHS) and the internet started becoming

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popular, I stumbled on a virtual DJ programme. That was it. I was ALWAYS around my computer – mixing and matching songs until I mastered it. EB: When did you make your debut? DD: I wanted to start my sound, and I spoke to lots of people in the business, Wardadli Souljahs, Zugu, and Renegade gave me the chance at a Bikini’s Sunday in 2006. ... Mannn I felt so good. I can remember every one singing our first tune “Vice Versa Love” by Barrington Levy. EB: Why Sistah Souljahs? DD: Gamal and Shaka (Goodwin) who are like my musical brothers first inspired me. I took the “Souljahs” from Wardadli and added Sistah SoulJah. EB: The sisters of the sound? DD: Started out with just a high school friend Eta, and myself. Her dad is a Rasta, so she was deeply into her reggae and roots music. We had a lot in common when it came to musical preference. Lauria aka Selecta GG ... has been my friend since TOR. She told me she was into music and wanted to deejay. We reasoned, heard her mixing which was very good, and she came on board. The last member is Joelle Thomas ... my best-friend. When Eta became a stewardess who left Antigua for months, Joelle was encouraged by Wardadli and some other friends to pick up the slack and surprisingly, we NEVER practiced. Everything was on point. She’s a natural. EB: Your favourite music to play? DD: Reggae. I love conscious music, dancehall, hip hop, and the occasional soca. Other genres when it is called for – funky house, pop, rock, techno. I play whatever they wanna hear. To impress you a little more with this young, sexy, mature and talented deejay, when she’s not spinning tunes for her audience, she’s busy creative works of art with her computer. That’s right, she’s a graphic genius. For more information and to find out her next gig, you can log on to www. sistahsouljahs.com or look for her on Face Book under “Gabby Antiguan Soundgirl Phillips”

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er first single “I Came to Show You”, featuring Jamaica’s Vybz Kartel, became a household tune in 2005. Fast forward four years, and the album is finished. Showing off her lean legs on her pink carpet in a Calvin S. original, Shermain launched her debut album on 4th May in a Manhattan Country Club. Also making the pink carpet that evening was Antiguan designer Calvin S., celebrity photographer Keith Major, who you may remember from this season’s America’s Next Top Model, and a number of other equally fabulous celebrities.

Shermain breathes a sigh of relief as she digests the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, dead ends, and insurmountable support from her family – it’s finally complete. “My Way, My Style” embodies the Diva as a woman, breaking away from the poised pageantry world; she’s stepped into her own as a performing artiste who is ever increasing her portfolio of performances in locally and in the U.S.

Having stunned the China audience into silence during the 2004 Miss World Pageant, She’s already known as the “Most Talented Woman in the World” In earnest, she readily explains, that the journey to her album debut has not been an easy one. She shares that there have been many nights when she’d cry herself to sleep after seeming to reach so close and having promises fall through. She admits that there were times her spirit felt so low that she wanted to give up. With her supportive family behind her, including little sister turned manager Sumita, “giving up” never became a reality. In 2005 the sisters formed Tropic Gem Records. “I’m the creative one in the operation and she takes care of the business aspect ... she’s so great at organising ... and making things happen,” she says, the pride she feels for her sister unmasked in her voice. Influenced by the sounds of Kenny Rogers, Greggory Isaac, and the like, compliments her parents, Shermain’s desire to sing has not been enclosed in the box of calypso or soca. Rather, she’s determined to be a performing artiste who can sing R&B, Jazz, Dancehall, and anything else that suits her mood or passion. Although she will not be compared to Barbados’s Rhianna, she pointedly states, “It’s about time for the world to see what Antigua can do.”

Once the label takes off, the Diva shares that Tropic Gem would eventually love to sign other local artistes. “But right now, we wouldn’t want to sign anyone ... knowing we couldn’t give them the exposure and attention they’d need.” Still celebrating the launch, to over 300 supporters, Shermain performed I Came to Show You and her latest release Burning. The 12-track album is an interesting collection of moods, life and rhythms that make the album an easy listening experience. You can’t ignore the strong influences of the music she grew up listening to, as some tunes, or vocals will take 6

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you back in time to the sisters of En Vogue, or a little more recent to the mellow and soulful Caribbean-R&B “flavas” of Diana King. Track 2 – Feel it has a nice rhythm that’s definitely one to move to ... genie wine anyone? And Outta Here will quickly become a ladies’ anthem, but the more quiet and soulful Killing Me may just prove to be the Grammy winning track. The crisp notes of her voice, the sweet melody and unavoidable honesty in her voice will have this track being played by many a broken-hearted lover. Following closely behind is Take My Breath Away which reminds me of Diana King’s rendition of Just a Little Tenderness. It’s a nice mellow groove that makes you want to find your lover’s arms for a sweet moment’s sway. This one I can see becoming a wedding must. She promised variety, and that’s exactly what she’s delivered with “My Way, My Style.” Unable

to pin any song to a single genre, the Diva must be saluted for her passion, persistence and making her album a reflection of not someone else’s words or experiences, but her own. The honesty in the lyrics makes most songs all the more relatable. A handsome addition to your collection of local artistes, you can look forward to more bling, dazzle, sizzle and sounds from this Antiguan Diva who’s done it

“My Way, My Style.”

Tian Winter

ressed in a red sports shirt and a pair of beige khaki shorts, Tian Winter appears as laid back as the lyrics to his song ‘Heaven’ that won him first runner-up in last years Groovy Soca Monarch competition. A rising star on the island’s music scene, the 24 year old has his sights set not only on ‘going for gold’ for Carnival 2009 but also on Caribbean and worldwide success.

Fresh out of the studio from recording with Trinidad & Tobago’s Soca Diva Patrice Roberts, Entertainment Bazaar caught up with the Villa resident to talk about Carnival 2009, his high hopes for the future and possible chemistry between him and Patrice. (EB): Your new groovy track ‘Bump & Grind’ with Patrice Roberts has been received well since its release. Tell us, was there any bumping and grinding? (TW): (Laughs) It was very easy to work with her, and there was definitely musical chemistry. She went into the studio and sang her part and I did mine – it was that simple. EB: How did the collaboration come about? TW: Well, it was through the collective minds of Kayode O’Marde my manager, and Kernal Roberts, who wrote and co-produced the track for Patrice and me. We had worked with him in 2008 when he wrote the song ‘End of Time’, so they discussed it and made it happen.

EB: Falling in love with R&B as a teen, why is it that you decided to sing soca? TW: Although artists such as R. Kelly and Michael Jackson have inspired me, soca is part of our culture and is the easier musical genre to gain success and recognition of your talent for us in the Caribbean and I’ve truly come to love it. I will always love R&B and will always perform and record a lot of it. If you listen to my groovy songs, you will hear the R&B influence. Would I love to be able to make it as an international artist doing R&B? Of course, but everything will hopefully happen in time. My main goal now is to focus on what I’m doing and to ensure that I’m doing it to the best of my ability. EB: In that case what can we expect from the material on your forthcoming album? TW: The album is still untitled but it will include ‘Heaven’, ‘End of Time’ and ‘Shiny Eyes’ from last year and about six new tracks including a bonus R&B track that I’m in the process of working on now with Trilogy, a young producer here in Antigua. So it’s going to be a nice little collection. EB: So what can we expect from you at this year’s Soca Monarch competition and have you grown as an artist since taking part last year? TW: I’ve definitely grown in confidence, plus my stage performance is a lot better as that growth

in confidence has allowed me to interact with the crowd more but I still have much to learn. As far as expectations, just know that I will leave my heart on the stage and hopefully put on two great and memorable performances on the night. That’s my main goal. EB: What’s next for Tian Winter? TW: Well apart from the release of my album and fully taking part in our Carnival celebrations this year, I’m just looking forward to furthering my career beyond our shores. We are hoping to have a video done for ‘Bump & Grind’ and hopefully take part in other carnivals across the Caribbean and the world. I’m also featured on a new Bajan compilation produced by Dwain Antrobus, which includes tracks from artists like Shurwayne Winchester, Wayne Marshall, Zan, Montano and many others. So I’m just looking forward to making more music, working with other artists and producers, and taking my music further because I really want to make it. When I touch the stage and hold the microphone, that’s when all my troubles are gone. For more information on Tian Winter check him out on MySpace at www.myspace.com/ tianwinter

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ark Br ow hands n is an extr emely ome y ou smile t hat ca ng man, wit ha ptivate lucky a shy and hu enough to m s anyone mble t eet him person ale . He is a him. A lity that mak nt, with a re freshin s som es you eone w g easily firstha ho be nd with h , and had th has seen h friend is wor im dur ks ing the e pleasure o event, f work “Vagin this ar ing a Mon ticle m biased olog ay ,b a socie ut for that I come acros ues” s make ty that no apo as a bit harnes u logies s the c nfortunately . In reative Mark s d tands talent oesn’t alwa y out. of its y oung, s

He starts his projects not knowing what the outcome will be, yet, it is amazing to see that Mark’s paintings turn out to be riveting testaments of the struggles of life. Yes, he does have the option to paint daisies and white sandy beaches with coconut trees, but Mark prefers his paintings to evoke thought and inspire dreams. His aim is to paint it how he sees and feels it. Th e themes expressed on his canvases are not always his experiences, but rat her can be inspired by the true events of tho se around him. He has a purpose. Whe n you view his work you can’t help but agree.

on an island to simply sit ve lo ld hat he so ou w s life doing w hi Ideally, Mark g in liv , nt and pai on took place somewhere solo exhibiti st fir is st year. H s. love d Barbuda la an ua passionately ig nt A whelming Museum of was so over ’ is upstairs the ris C In s ‘Angel ding in front His display of lves just stan se em lly, th d foun s. Persona that persons ld back tear ho to n ng ee yi b tr I had of his pieces and felt that d to the room iful things an ut ea b n I stepped in he w e, tim in back transported thoughts w ere sacred gifts taboo socie ty that we liv given to us by God. G iven the so e in, I was q his exhibitio mewhat uite interest n. Challeng ed and exc ing the statu society can ited about s quo and st be trying, b ereotypes in ut Mark co discussion nsciously o any on topics o r not, has g f creativity uaranteed and moralit y. Most artists can attest to facing man certain indiv y challenge iduals view s. Sometim particular p demonic. In es, ieces of art Mark’s case as inapprop , he is aware his painting riate and s should be that a few p titled as su ersons stro ch. In a wo ngly feel rld where m oney and power unfortunately motiva te the masses, individuals with honest hearts and minds will be seen as outsiders. Mark is no outsid er though; he is that conscious voice that exists inside each of our heads. A voice most times scared to speak-up becaus e of the fear of persecutio n. Mark Brown is our Antiguan version of Michel angelo, and we should res pec t and view his work as such. Take some timeout and see what all the hype is about. You won’t be disappointed. Talent like Mark’s comes around onc e every couple hundreds of years. Antigu ans should be glad that we can call him our own. 10

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n High School, Tameka JarvisGeorge considered herself to be very unassuming, or, as she casually put it, “very under the radar.”

“If I had an interest in anything,” she explains cordially, “I had to change my mind because my mother wouldn’t let me participate. Referring to her mom Althea Abercombe, she says “Thea had no tolerance for frivolity; the only thing I ever did that was remotely close to performing was playing the Little Drummer Boy in one of AGHS’s carol services.” All of that has now changed. The tall, slim girl who regularly wore her processed hair in a bun during her formative years is currently going through a metamorphosis that may soon thrust her into the limelight – albeit reluctantly. Now an Auto-cad Technician/Domestic Diva (aka housewife)/Mommy to Xion and Genesis/Wife to Kevin, Poet Writer with flowing dreadlocks almost down to her waist, Tameka, already has three books of poetry under her belt – Thoughts from the Pharcyde (1999), I am That I am (2002), and I am (2005).

“I started writing when I was about eight years-old and attending the Mary E. Piggott School,” she says. “I can remember my favourite teacher, Ms. Gregory, giving us a composition on My Summer Vacation. I went into great detail about the sights, sounds and tastes of my summer experience and she was quite impressed. She even asked me if someone had helped me,” she reminisced. “Then she told me I had a real talent. That really inspired me.” But Tameka was quick to add that her mother was a great inspiration to her as well, though not in the way we might expect. During her younger days, she didn’t particularly get along with her mother. “She and I are like sisters now but you didn’t want to know her back then. She was very strict and I thought I didn’t have enough privileges so most of my poems and short stories were about fabulous ways of escaping my “prison” via a Prince Charming or some fantastic fantasy world. But I appreciate my mom so much now,” she admits. “With age comes wisdom and I understand that now I’m older.”

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Apart from writing poetry, Tameka is also a budding songwriter who hopes to further develop this art. “Maybe sometime in the near future someone will be singing my songs,” she says. “I’m not putting a timeline on it but I’m a dreamer and my dreams have a habit of coming true.” Speaking about dreams, one of her biggest accomplishments to date is her recently completed first novel, Unexpected. Another accomplishment - with the help of talented duo, Christopher Hodge and Melissa Gomez of Cinque Productions - is turning one of her poems, Dinner, into a short film. It is expected to be completed in June. In the short film, and trying her hand at acting for the first time, Tameka plays a young woman coming home after a frustrating day at work and looking forward to spending the rest of it with the person she loves the most. Entertainment Bazaar wishes Tameka all the best in her endeavours and will keep you posted on her progress.

coveted title of Ms. Independence Homecoming 2008. Needless to say, entering the 2010 Queen of Carnival competition is on her things-to-do list.

By: Jermilla Kirwan

ducator by day and performer by night probably best describes the dual persona of talented songbird, Daina Laura Barnes. Popularly known for her outstanding participation in the 2007 Digicel Rising Star competition, the petite twenty-one year-old with the angelic voice can vividly remember her first standing ovation.

“I was five years-old,” she says snickering. “I didn’t even have any front teeth. I was singing at the All Saints Anglican Church and a Canadian gentleman heard me and invited me to sing at a function at the Royal Antiguan Resort. I sang, “I will always love you,” by Whitney Houston. It was the first time I can remember getting such a resounding applause.” Daina credits her mother, Karen Barnes, whom she describes as her backbone, and her aunts, as the initial driving forces behind her up and coming career. Daina possesses the natural knack for being in the spotlight. It’s no surprise then that the world of pageantry beckoned to this gifted young woman. She has captured the title of Ms. Queen of the Forms 2001 at her former alma mater, Antigua Girls’ High; she won the Ms. Netball Queen Competition in 2005, copped the first runner-up title in the 2008 Ms. St. Paul’s Competition, and captured the

Speaking of things to do, Daina has quite a bit to do on a daily basis due to her day job as a Grade One teacher at the Pares Primary School. “It’s very challenging,” she says, yawning as if to validate her statement. “My time management skills are definitely put to the test.” “Every afternoon I have to prepare my class work for the next day then I prepare for my performance later that evening. I perform four nights a week with the Hondels band at Blue Waters, Galley Bay or Mill Reef Club.” She continues. “I get done at about 11 then I head home to bed to get some rest for another day at school.” Besides her future plan of entering the 2010 Queen of Carnival competition, Daina’s ultimate goal is to become a professional international entertainer. “I want to put Antigua and Barbuda on the map,” she says passionately. “I’ve always wanted to represent my country on a larger scale. That’s why the Digicel Rising Star competition was such a positive experience.” She adds, “it made me realize that when you do well, both you and your country are recognized in a positive light.” Ambition being one of her best attributes, Daina is taking some very positive steps to making sure her dreams become reality. “I’m working on an album with some very talented producers,” she confides. “ I can’t elaborate on it just yet but it’s expected to be completed in the near future. I’m really excited about it. It’s a mixture of R & B and Reggae and I think it’s going to be an excellent product.” There’s definitely no denying that Daina Barnes’ star is on the rise. Watch out for this young, dynamic songstress! We here at Entertainment Bazaar will be keeping an eye on every move she makes.

Love it y!!!! T

here I was rocking away in the club enjoying a night of music. Someone bumps into me. I look at the passing, staggering body. As she turns around, I can’t help thinking ‘I know that face.’ And then it came; a flashback of seeing this girl in town in her secondary school uniform shopping with her mother. What was this girl doing in a so-called 18 and over club?

GRown Sexy! &

There is no such thing as checking ID in Antigua. I recall during the 18 Karat days that this actually occurred… but now, well, as long as you are not in diapers I suppose you can get in. Some people will say ‘so what let them be’. The “what” is that there is a danger in teenagers going to places that are not meant for them. Only in my older years did I understand why my mother did not want me to go to places that served alcohol while I was under-aged. These places are full of older people, some of whom like to prey on the younger, somewhat naïve party addicts. Alcohol in the hands of minors usually leads to drunkenness. Drunken teenagers falling all over the dance floor causing heads to shake in disgust kind of kills the vibe. This is not to mention the usual ‘drama’ that accompanies young people. Don’t get me wrong, older people get into fights as well, but teens of a certain age have an undeniable knack for getting into some trouble.

For the

There you are trying to enjoy yourself while occasionally having to move because someone ‘enjoys’ the song too much and you wonder “Am I too old to be here?” “Are they too young to be out after midnight”, or “Is this island just lacking the after dark entertainment I need.” Here’s what I propose: A nightspot for the Grown and Sexy. A place that’s part bar, part lounge, part nightclub and most importantly - with a strict,” let me see your ID”, age limit.

Let’s imagine this perfect spot together. Let’s start with the bar. I’m thinking an American style setup with bar stools and high tables, a diverse menu of drinks, and let’s throw in a pool table for a little action. The perfect place to kill time with a drink and a friend between events. Then, we head to the lounge. Sultry dim lights, matching themed sofas in separate partitioned areas, all topped off with soft music to set the mood.

Finally, the important part - the dance floor - would be in another room of course. There’s nothing worse than talking over loud music. The essential here is of course the right house DJ who knows how to mix the best of the oldies with today’s chart toppers. This would be an area of class, no people mopping the floor in the name of dancing, no pushing and of course, NO FIGHTING!. Just people who consider themselves mature and who enjoy a well-needed and pleasant night out with friends. Have you fallen in love with this imaginary nightspot? I surely have! Let the teenyboppers have the other spots. Just give me this one place of class and maturity – For the Grown and Sexy!!

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a wha ya! Meet Gretlyn! Dem ask me fo write wan column gi dem………..but me nuh hab none ‘tory, an dem know me neva write nutten, but dem say me always ha sudden fo say…………me na too sure bout dat………..but me go talk to aryu still an’ see wha aryu dey tink……….. first things first, … like if arwe couldn’t tek no mo drama……………me uncle Stanford gwarn go heself een trouble wid dem ‘mericans……but me most shame at how some o’ arwe Antiguans ah behave bout de subben…..yes me know uncle Stan does go on like he “big bout ya” but he does PAY GOOD! De 20/20 tournament min SELL OFF…………….dah lyme dey ah nite time an’ weekend time min really sweet no wha……… all dat da man do………..yet de man get eena wan likkle problem an’ all arwe jus shake arwe head in shame an cuss de man………………… wha mek arwe ungrateful self cyan put wan $20 side for sen’ gi de man so he can get some proper legal advice? Arwe go ah da man free show an’ enjoy arweself……an’ after all o’ dat arwe ah talk bout he look good ina Orange!! Time longer dan rope. Wha happen to Uncle Stan nuh mek Antigua look good!……me nuh able fo go wid arwe tall tall…. Anyway…ee nice fo see dat a wan local get de LIAT job ...an’ come me tell aryu likkle subben………arwe need fuh tap always ah cuss arwe West Indian neighbors ah call dem foreigner…………like plenty arwe forget arwe run go ‘merica go hab pickney so arwe pickney can hab ‘Mercian passport………….like dat dey ah sudden fe boast bout nowadays. ‘Mericans…only get back likkle popular since me baby daddy Obama get eena office……………me only hope he ‘member fuh leff me name de ah da Bajan embassy …………cause ah next month me ah go dong dey go look bout me veezay, an’ me nuh want none problem. Nowadays me find um hard fo go out an’ so……….ah like ebrybody dat go ah club unda de age ah 21……………..dem young gyal a wear belly out and short dress ah show up dem legs… an’ ah leffe dem parents house late no wha fe go ah club go hug up wid man…wha mek arwe accept dem sudden dey an’ so?

Some P e o p l e s a y t h a t I ’ m f oo l is h I only t a l k a b ou t j e w e l s D o y o u f o o l s listen t o m u s ic o r d o y o u j u s t s k im throu gh it ? ” J a y Z .

play these words over and over in my mind. The naked, unrefined truth laid out before us like a court transcript. Ironically if I were skimming through it I would never have heard it. I love the clever ways producers twist and turn melodies, or spread them like butter across ever evolving drum patterns anchored by a kick drum so round, my heart is tempted to follow its rhythm. But alas, every time I get caught up in the mastery of a backing track and let the performer’s voice blend in like an instrument - to the point I where I miss what’s being said, I feel like I’m skimming through it, and skimming is cheating. Cheating myself! “You running and you running and you running away. But you can’t run away from yourself” Bob Marley. It is an honor to join the ledged as he makes his discovery. Even though these lyrics pour gently off his tongue in a stream of raspy smoothness, it carries the passion of a eureka moment. The words themselves, when weighed and measured, possess the gravity of a moon. “You can’t run away from yourself”. This could be a wake up call to those staring at an obvious truth about themselves and refuse to see it. The examples of great truths in song lyrics are endless. Poets in the seats of songwriters have blessed us with their commentary, satire, anthems and eye openers. They have taken us into their private thoughts, their points of view. They have given us the news, investigative reports, their minds and their hearts.

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Anyways Carnival done reach………..me done do one ton ah limin……….. de soca song dem fo dis year nuh soun too bad…………… de gyal tune an dem use fe mash up de place……since me a wan ooman meself…….. me glad fo see how Claudette an Tizzy dem hangle demself….but me ah tell you, dis ear ya Tian Hot no wha!! Flames an Flames ah cuss one anodder again……..Me ah beg de Meee-Jet gi me one break please.. .me wonder if de soca Dunce go perform pan de show. Aryou betta na dissapoint me dis year ah BACCHANAL Satidy By de way…tell me subben….wha mek costume ah get smaller, an price ah get bigger………ana wan recession arwe ina?…….me nar pay none ton a money fo jump up ina wan bra and draws dat pretty up wid some beads Me can well use da money dey fo pay me rent and buy two tings fo me house…………ah so me does surprise fo see all dem nuff and quiet people from bank a get on like dem crazy……………. who na jump pan oda people back……….ah play dem a supa hero… ebrybody does get on lakka dem lose dem mind………… it ah boda me dat dem wile paint up neggah ah come back dis ear yah……dem dey wan touch up and hug up and kiss up when dem ah pass ina dem blue paint………a wha mek dem nah just tap ina dem band an wile out in dey………chupseeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Eh eh! Me see wan dreadie a go ina queen show….lang time ago dem does push up dem face ata people with locks………….now ah like locs a wan fashion statement………………… wha mek dem neva rule out de gyal an dem dat ah wear weave and wig?? Aryou, me tired chat…………check aryu next time……cause me wan fu say sudden bout dem horrible hairnet dat eberybody an dem moda a wear…..chupseeeeeeee…me nar even tark bout de ladies night dem min hab dey ah coast wha nite ee…..murrrrrrrrrrdahhhh….me still ah blush! ‘an please, aryu try sen likkle money gi uncle Stan. Gretlyn Natasha Ethlyn (de neighbor) Brown

How fortunate are calypso fans that support a genre whose foundation is built of lyrics that demand to be translated. I’m not jealous though because I too translate lyrics. I break them down like an English professor might dissect a Shakespearian sonnet. I separate each line, each thought and each concept then spread them out on the worktop of my artistic appreciation and view them as a whole. I ask “what is being expressed?” Sometimes they say dance away your troubles. Some are expressions of teenage lust or an unrequited emotion. Sometimes they tell us that a people have had enough. Lots of times they say the same thing many lyrics have already said and often with less skill or entertainment value. I’m not going to lie to you, sometimes this can be a disappointing exercise, and sometimes looking beyond the actual words can reveal that our value system is on the fritz. Every now and then you stumble across a simple yet brilliant original statement filled with genius and insight. It makes me feel like an archeologist sifting through tons of sand and mud and finally finding a bone. So go ahead, dig! One night I was up late as usual watching Def Poetry more onup Tian him Jam. TheFor host Mosinformation Def stepped to Winter the mic,check and in out on MySpace www.myspace.com/tianwinter his chemical monotone heatsaid “Ladies and Gentlemen. Bounty Killa.” The War Lord sauntered on stage with his usual yardie swagger and began to RECITE… “Look in to my eyes. Tell me what you see…”

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Couture

e m u t s o C Meets By Linisa A. Geo

rge

ts “A Fashionista se molds. ks ea br d trends an ality and du vi di in g in Embrac e is yl st one’s personal beautiful.”

t is this philosophy that motivated local Antiguan Rhonda Williams to create Fashionista, a company that offers services ranging from image consultation and make-up for special occasions, to stage and carnival. They also specialise in costume adjustments and hair services. Fashionista is your one stop shop for everything you need, even personal shopping. So how was the idea of this company formulated? According to Rhonda, the inspiration came from her flair for art, her understanding of fashion, and what works for different types of bodies, faces and personalities. During her years at NYU (New York University) she realised the fusion of fashion, make up, art and business would resonate with Antiguans who wanted to find new ways of expressing their personal style. In 2000 Rhonda launched her own ready to wear line of clothing called, ‘The Little Black Box’. After two successful NYU Fashion shows in 2002 and 2003, a spot as one of the feature designers in Antigua’s Contagious Reloaded Fashion show in 2003, and an appearance in the St. Kitts Annual Caribbean Fashion Expo ‘Show me your Soul’, it was clear that she was in love with fashion and clothing; together, they provided an outlet for creative expression.

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At NYU she was able to network with a few individuals who referred her to Cristophe Demaison LLC and Giorgio Armani NYC, where she was fortunate to observe and learn firsthand from the best in the fashion world. She was right in the middle and it was all fascinating! When she returned to Antigua, Rhonda nurtured a friendship with, Jody Francis and Nezia Floren. They all brought a unique perspective for fashion to the table. In 2008 they officially launched Fashionista through Facebook. Fashionista amalgamates ‘The Little Black Box’ line, carnival make up and body art services, and personal shopper services. At present the group consists of five individuals. Rhonda assumes the role of the company’s Creative Director. Jody is responsible for the Marketing and Public Relations. Nezia is in charge of Merchandising and assumes the role of Accounts Manager. Rhonda’s sisters Janelle and Leslienne Williams, are the company’s Make-up Artists. They are also the Public Relations and Marketing Assistants respectively. The support that Fashionista has received since they officially stepped onto the scene has been great. “We are happy that our efforts have been well received by our previous clients and endeavour to maintain the high quality of services for which we are well known.” says Rhonda. The ladies of Fashionsita treat every individual with first class service. With Carnival now at its peak, let them turn you into a beautifully transformed carnival trendsettah’!!

Couture Meets Costume By Linisa A. George .

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utting edge doesn’t begin to describe the daring dips, sizzling hemlines, and alluring necklines. Whether it’s a second-glance hot number, or a racy two-piece for the beach, it’s ALL wool baby! That’s right. Sisters Junay Powell and Jahlene Baptist have indulged themselves in the family tradition of knitting (yes! people still knit in the 21st century). Adding their personal “flava” to the wool, they’ve created head turning ensembles that make Jay’s Fashion a growing empire of fashion in Antigua. Mastering the art of knitting a mere six years ago, the sisters put their art to the test when they decided to create outfits for themselves and four other friends. Let’s say that, at that “Passa Passa” event, the “Passa Passa” wasn’t just on the stage, as the sisters and their friends created their own runway sauntering through the crowd. An aspiring designer who wishes to have her name known throughout the Caribbean and eventually the world, Junay debuted her fashion at the 2007 Caliente International – her first public fashion show. Revelling in the awe and thunderous applause from the audience, this fuelled her to continue designing and creating even more. Appearing in numerous fashion shows since then, including the Independence Homecoming Fashion Expose 2007 and 2008, this steaming knitter is not confined to Antigua. With her flair and unique technique, last August, Junay travelled to Guyana as a fitting complement to the Antiguan contingent for Carifesta X. Many were blown away by the sultry and spicy garments that melted the runway. So impressed were the host country by the young designer, that she was invited to return to Guyana for their 2008 Fashion Week in October. She turned even more heads while there, and was then invited to attend the 2009 Fashion Week in Suriname. In April, the sisters launched their first fashion show “Silhouette”. Junay guarantees that this will certainly become an annual event. Their designs are unique and easily become conversation pieces at any event. From babies to adults, swimwear to bridal wear, and even accessories, Jay’s Fashion has revolutionised the practise of knitting and have stamped their mark on Antigua’s fashion market. As Junay puts it, “This is only the beginning.”

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FREE YOUR

SPIRIT...

Your Body will Follow!

inally the opportunity to go out on a Saturday after dark presents itself on a three-day weekend. Having worked every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night for the past five months I’m ready and rearing to go. I fling on my short skirt, leather boots and matching jewellery to set off the outfit. I head down to what I’ve been told has been, and still is the new lime for EVERY night of the week. The Free Spirits Pub, situated on Friars Hill Road, with its wooden-style build and ‘less is more’ appeal, reminds me of the lodgings on the opposite side of the road where the St. John’s Public cemetery lies; whether its ambience is as dead remains to be seen. Previously called the Zombie Bar, and still affectionately so referred to by regulars, Free Spirits Pub attracts Antigua’s older clientele, aged 28 years and beyond. This easy-going lowseated bar with a unisex toilet and outside decking is as friendly as it is Caribbean. The bar was brought back to life in December 2008 when three bartenders, Soab, Scurf and Tan, came together and reopened under its new name. Retaining the previous name was out of the question as there was some contention with the name by the previous owner. Since the reopening, the hot spot has apparently been resuscitating vibes into the islands liming scene. I approach the bar and succumb to my first drink of the night – Hennessey and Cranberry – at a reasonably priced $12. The drink is served by Soab the one-armed bartender slash part

By Alinah Roberts

owner, who is adamant that the name of the pub is no reflection on the drink prices or even the old name ‘Zombie’. That old name itself may be better suited to describe the intense mood of single men sitting at the bar watching basketball the cable TV provided. However, Soab’s light yet humorous conversation revives my flagging Saturday night effort as he guaranteed me that five dollar Friday’s is the perfect lime. ‘Saturday nights are a little unpredictable’ ‘Really Soab?’ I wish someone had told me that before I zipped up my brown leather boots. He informed me that live bands frequent the bar which previously played host to 3 Cylinder Band and currently Nu Edition with Tian Winter every Thursday evening. Tonight resident DJ Linroy entertains the small crowd, playing a mix of old school and current soca/calypso and play listed dancehall and reggae beats. Wind-down Sundays are dedicated to live jazz in the evening through to the night, but tonight is Retro Saturday. Food is a huge part of this lime. Selections include complimentary popcorn, a selection of local, grilled and finger food at an affordable price, including barbecue pigtail, one selection that apparently has customers queuing up for more. Breakfast is served on Sundays and is described as a ‘nice likkle lime’ attracting the after church crowd. The owners intend to ‘Step it up a notch’ with plans to provide customers with a big screen for cable sports entertainment and the like. Wednesday’s are soon set to be reserved for karaoke entertainment. With all this action, Free Spirits Pub seems likely to raise the residents across the road back to the land of the living.

Free Spirits Pub is opened seven days a week. The closing time is “until”!

The wine selection could make you dizzy and safe drinkers have been known to stay with their favourite tipple, not because they enjoy it so much, but due to their slight embarrassment – a total lack of knowledge about the complexity of wine.

By Brenda-Lee Browne

ack in the 1980’s there was a popular sitcom called ‘Cheers’, set in Boston. The tag line was ‘where everyone knows your name’, it featured a motley group of characters who spend more time at the bar, pontificating the meaning of life, their latest relationship train wrecks.. and the gags came thick and fast. Underneath all the jokes was the feeling that they felt at home and it was not all about the drinking.

Luckily for many of us, after one conversation and a wine tasting session with the owners Cutie Joseph and Claudine Vierstraete, wine becomes more than a drink – they share their passion of what makes a good wine from depth of colour, to top notes and bouquets. These two business savvy women who have taken a passion, combined it with hard work and a joie de vivre that is contagious are the secret of the business’ success. Just ask their many regulars – who come on Thursday evenings for Cutie’s delicious, home-made lasagne or on Friday evenings for the occasional jazz ensemble or maybe a little Karaoke. On Saturdays after some retail therapy, a cheese platter and a sauvignon blanc restores your balance.

I confess that I started in the latter category – it was a convenient place to meet my cousin, chat and catch up – coffee time became lunch time and then we were joined by friends. Now, going to C&C is like going ‘home’. Like the characters in the sitcom, we sit Jump forward a few decades, switch to real life and an island a few thousand miles away to downtown St. and set the world right, we have been known to burst into song John’s, Antigua. Tucked away in Redcliffe Quay is a little and dance – we have celebrated birthdays, new jobs, and no jobs, bar that on the face of it would not be out of place in new flame, no flame, New Year’s Eve, brought new friends and rekindled old relationships. Sometimes the funds stretch to a bottle say France, London or New York. C&C Wine House and we savour it, not just the taste but the being there among is one of Antigua’s best open secrets. Its cosiness and friends. Isn’t that why we, like Dorothy like to go home.......... quirky decor make it an ideal location for that quiet drink before you go home or for a birthday celebrawww.ebantigua.com tion for a group of friends.

! r a a z a BE B ink.

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