Karibbean Expressions | Caribbean Magazine Los Angeles

KARIBBEAN Expressions Caribbean Magazine | Los Angeles

VOL. 09. NOV. - DEC. 2018

MACHEL MONTANO HONORED AT CITY HALL

CARIBBEAN STARS

Emmy-Nominated Jamaican-American Actress, Hollywood Game Changer . . . O N

T H E

A A C T O R

R E D

D R E A M

A N T H O N Y

C A R P E T E V E N T

A T

W I T H

A N D E R S O N

Livin' Life in LA LA Land

Actor Glynn Turman & His Jamaican Wife Receive Caribbean Heritage Award

INSIDE THIS

Page 7 Livin' Life in LA LA Land Caribbean Celebs on the Red Carpet

ISSUE Page 8 Entertainer Earth Warrior calls for an end to Human Trafficking

Page 22 Chris Foster hosts the hottest Caribbean TV show on the planet

Page 9

A Musical Friendship Ignited

by Passion Page 12

Jamaica Association hosts Celebrity Golf Tournament in Los Angeles Page 15

Hollywood Happenin's Page 17

Fabulous Food & Famous Folks Page 18 Barbados Independence Celebrations in Los Angeles

NEXT ISSSUE Carnival in Hollywood Caribbean Heritage Month in LA Caribbean Heritage Awards Hollywood

Photos by Damian Christie

ON THE COVER Featured: Emmy-nominated Jamaican-American actress Susan Kelechi Watson, on the red carpet with actor Anthony Anderson. Watson was honored with the Game Changer Award at the fifth anniversary of the MLK Community Health Foundation's Dream Lunch. Anderson was the master of ceremonies at the event in LA. Sidebar: 1. Machel Montano is honored at Los Angeles City Hall. The T&T entertainer received the honors during this year's Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations at LA's City Hall.

2. Haitian-American actress & model Briana Roy at LA Lime Industry Mixer in Santa Monica, CA. 3. Actor Glynn Turman and his Jamaican-American wife Jo-Ann, on the red carpet at the Caribbean Heritage Organization's Gala in Hollywood. The couple was presented with the Robert Nesta Marley Humanitarian Award.

Caribbean Comedy Series in LA UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival & more Sports Caribbean Cricket Club of California: Season Highlights

Ninth Anniversary Edition

Our Story

Thank you for allowing us to serve you for the last nine years. Through your support, we’ve grown exponentially as a multi-platform media network. We've expanded our portfolio to include a cable television station, web tv and Karibbean Expressions Magazine. We've witnessed our audiences grow from hundreds to millions across the globe.

The Caribbean community now has a platform to participate in how it is portrayed in media.

It is significant to recognize that there is no longer a need to be spectators to our stories.

Through KEE Media Group, we have created a catalyst for active engagement in the narrative being shared about people from the Caribbean. Our entertainers and executives now have access to their own medium to share authentic, uncensored stories - in their native tongues.

As we acknowledge the contributions of Caribbean nationals , we are compelled to also recognize the tremendous support of those who are friends of the Caribbean. We are increasingly popular among non-Caribbean natives in the United States, Canada and the UK. These audiences have expressed continued love and support for our culture and our efforts. Therefore, we must continue to build a media platform within a framework of inclusivity. We serve a global community of people who represent various ethnic, cultural, social, backgrounds and abilities.

We are strategically located in the media & entertainment capital of the world. Los Angeles has been the facilitator of our mission. The city is a multicultural melting pot which serves as the perfect backdrop to our story. We thank you LA and to all the people with whom we’ve worked to make this dream a reality.

As we grow, we become increasingly aware of the responsibilities bestowed upon us. Our role extends beyond telling authentic Caribbean stories; we also have a responsibility to create employment opportunities and to provide a platform for the stars and the stars on the rise. We ask for your continued support as we face imminent challenges and celebrate the triumphant moments.

It is also with overwhelming gratitude that we thank our KEE team. They know this journey has not been without trials. However, in the words of poet/activist – Dr. Maya Angelou – "...and still I (we) rise." Thank you all for believing in the dream and for helping to execute the mission. Together, we shall continue to rise to even greater heights.

ABOUT THE FOUNDERS: KEE Media Group Inc. is the brainchild of two visionaries who are dedicated to using their talents to serve the needs of the community. The husband and wife hail from Jamaica and now reside in Los Angeles. Wendy, a journalist/college educator, is from the city of Montego Bay. Damian, a former banker now cinematographer, is a son of Trelawny. His birthplace is a short distance from that of the legendary sprinter, Usain Bolt. He often jokes that both he and Bolt will put Trelawny on the map. So far, we’ve seen at least one of that dream realized – you are next Damian:)

Wendy Christie co-founder / executive editor About Us: In 2009, Karibbean Expressions Magazine launched as a web magazine.

In 2010, we merged content from the magazine and television on our website, myKEEtv.com.

As we conclude this year, we are happy to announce that we will resume publishing the magazine as a separate medium. Our monthly magazine publication returns just in time for our 10th anniversary next year.

Please remember to subscribe now at myKEEtv.com.

KEE Media Group Inc. 3900 W Alameda Ave, Suite 1200, Burbank, California, 91505 www.myKEEtv.com #myKEEtvLA

Films DZV

congratulates Karibbean Expressions Magazine on achieving its 9th year of showcasing the best of the Caribbean in Los Angeles.

RESTAURANT ROAD ON MYKEETV YOUR DIRECTORY OF EXOTIC EATERIES

Caribbean StarsÂ

LIVIN' LIFE

IN LA LA LAND Star-Studded

KEE MEDIA

photos by Damian Christie #myKEEtvLA

1. Actress & model Briana Roy at LA Lime Industry Mixer in Santa Monica, CA. 2. Actress & producer Susan Kelechi Watson at a MLK Lunch in CA. 3. Miss Belize Queen of the Bay Illinois at LA City Hall.

4. Pro athlete Kibwe Khary and model Joslyn Pennywell 5.Repping Haiti on the carpet - Haitian-American actress/model Briana Roy. 6.Actress Roxanne Beckford at the Caribbean Heritage Awards in Hollywood.

KEE Caribbean Magazine | Vol 9

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Earth Warrior Calls for an End to Human Trafficking – TIME TO ACT

Reggae artiste

Earth Warrior is calling for an end to human trafficking on his latest single titled ,Time To Act, featuring Winston McAnuff.

“Human trafficking is a very terrible crime against humanity; I mean how can anyone think it’s right to deal in the transportation and selling of other human beings? This is modern day slavery, and it’s happening all over the world, even in our very backyards right here in Jamaica,” said Earth Warrior.

Time To Act was produced by Darren Hamilton and The Uprising Roots Band and features veteran roots singer Winston McAnuff who shares Earth Warrior’s passion and anguish that human trafficking exists in Jamaica.

Ultimately, Earth Warrior believes it will take more than law enforcement to stem the exploitation of vulnerable children. “We must look into ourselves, into the depth of our souls. We must become something we have not been and for which our education, experience and environment have ill-prepared us,” he reasoned.

“We must become bigger than we have ever been.” Time To Act’s strident message is bolstered by a gripping video that portrays Earth Warrior and McAnuff in some of the gritty surroundings that many children susceptible to human trafficking, find themselves.

The single and the video were released recently.

Earth Warrior, whose real name is Dino Pinnock, is known for message-laced songs such as Happy Song and In The City. He is a longtime collaborator with The Uprising Roots Band.

- story courtesy of Rising From The East Entertainment & Publishing – Jamaica

KEE Caribbean Magazine | Vol 9

FEATURE

A MUSICAL FRIENDSHIP IGNITED

BY PASSION & PERSEVERANCE

by Ingrid Henry, freelance writer

The unique musical journey of friendship for over 35 years has bonded a Link & Chain that is unbreakable, musically. The group Link & Chain hails from the seaside village of Port Maria St. Mary, where they all grew up and attended the same schools. From these early beginnings the four friends, Dwight “Tweetie “Campbell, Paul”Mirror” Williams, Trevor “Kasha” Douglas and O’Neil Griffiths bonded together through music. That bond gave birth to their group's name.

The fire ignited in Campbell when someone referred to him as a “one time singer in Jamaica...”

According to Kasha, “many links make up a chain and the chain is binding every member and every fan is another link and this chain now will become a link to world unity through music.”

Link and Chain was originally a trio made up of accomplished and wellintentioned youths who had musical bones. As youths, they linked themselves to Island Recording Group’s, Foundation- another Port (continued on page 10) Maria based group and took refuge with Ipal (Foundation arranger and member).

FEATURE

KEE Caribbean Magazine | Vol 9

A MUSICAL FRIENDSHIP IGNITED BY PASSION & PERSEVERANCE

(continued from page 9)

The album features Sly & Robbie and Cat Coore, Ras Records - under the watchful eye of their musical dad, Jack Ruby Lindo.

He became their teacher. Dwight “Tweetie” Campbell learned to play the guitar and the “foundation” for this group was set. Little O’Neil Griffiths, a spiritual member, later joined the group as its fourth harmony. When Foundation moved to Island Records, Link & Chain along with Earth Messengers were poised to become big stars as a part of producer Jack Ruby Lindo’s new entourage.

He signed Donovan and Foundation to Island Records .

Link & Chain and Earth Messengers were to be next.

This dream was only half fulfilled before Ruby died. The song, “New Day” is a signature for the group. It was the first attempt at a studio recording and second song written by the group’s strongman, Paul “Mirror” Campbell. The song will leave you with goose bumps.

They later went on to record songs like “Dirty Works”, Fools”, “Bad Girl”, Black Man’ Burden” “African Struggle”, No Bus’ it” Africa is my Home/ leaving outa here,” “Oppression. All appear on the group’s album, “New Day” which was produced by Mango Records, a subsidy of Island Records. The album features Sly &Robbie and Cat Coore, Ras Records - under the watchful eye of their musical dad, Jack Ruby Lindo.

New Day album was released across the world. The single, Africans Struggle was released on Volcano record label.The Album made a fair success but due to the death of Jacky Ruby and lack of interest to promote the album, it did not get the attention that it should have. It is still vague who released African Struggle and other works by the group. (continued on page 11)

KEE Caribbean Magazine | Vol 9

FEATURE

A MUSICAL FRIENDSHIP IGNITED BY PASSION & PERSEVERANCE

(continued from page 10)

They learnt the album enjoyed massive airplay in Holland and Germany. Two years after the death of Ruby, the group contended to work with producer Phillip “Fattis” Burrell. They recorded songs like “Desperados”, “Something is wrong”, African Man” “Improve yourself and “Bring the Family Back”.

Unresolved issues later resulted in a lack of promotion. This deeply affected the group. They had to look in different directions to become stronger because they did not want to break their musical journey.

Dwight Campbell always remained committed to the group’s goals and musical growth.

So when he migrated to seek “food” the link remained. Various incidents acted as a catalyst for the group. While working at a record distribution company, Campbell investigated the ins and outs of the music business overseas and the new technology. He even brought his songs to Amazon.

The fire ignited in Campbell when someone referred to him as a “one time singer in Jamaica.”

Campbell and his Rasta brothers stayed strong and maintained the link.

Depicting their own situation, “Improve Yourself” the compilation album was their next major project. Tune core was behind the album and it was distributed via satellite radio and the internet. The determined Campbell in New York, Williams in Colorado, Douglas and Griffiths in Jamaica reaffirmed the strong link between the entertainers and made the dream a new reality.

Their new EP has songs such as “Jah is Great” an epic chant, “Fix the Roof” , “I gave you a rose/be my Lady” and “Long Road”. The title songs on the album are “Again & Again” , “The Life of Link & Chain” and the revisited classic, “New Day”. The music includes Ian “Breezy “Coleman and the engineering, maestro Barry O’Hare. As the link strengthens and the chain lengthens, this group will be remembered for their strong musical bond. Their new album, “Fix the Roof” is also heavily circulated on the internet.

HOSTED BY

CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC!

JAMAICA Awareness Association of California KEE MEDIA

photos by Damian Christie #myKEEtvLA

SPORTS

CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC! HOSTED BY

JAMAICA Awareness Association of California

SPORTS

KEE MEDIA

photos by Damian Christie #myKEEtvLA

HOLLYWOOD HAPPENIN'S

25 ANIMATED FEATURES SUBMITTED FOR OSCAR® RACE LOS ANGELES, CA — Twentyfive features have been submitted for consideration in the Animated Feature Film category for the 91st Academy Awards®.

Several of the films have not yet had their required Los Angeles qualifying run.

Submitted features must fulfill the theatrical release requirements and comply with all of the category’s other qualifying rules before they can advance in the voting process. Sixteen or more films must qualify for the maximum of five nominees to be voted. Films submitted in the Animated Feature Film category also qualify for Academy Awards in other categories, including Best Picture.

Nominations for the 91st Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. The 91st Oscars® will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

Lee Unkrich and Darla K. Anderson pose backstage with the Oscar® for Best Animated Feature Film for work on “Coco” during the live ABC Telecast of The 90th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, March 4, 2018.

Photo by: Michael Baker / A.M.P.A.S.

The submitted features, listed in alphabetical order, are: “ Ana y Bruno” “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” “Early Man” “Fireworks” “Have a Nice Day” “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation” “Incredibles 2” “Isle of Dogs” “The Laws of the Universe – Part I” “Liz and the Blue Bird” “Lu over the Wall” “MFKZ” “Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms” “Mirai” “The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl” “On Happiness Road” “Ralph Breaks the Internet” “Ruben Brandt, Collector” “Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero” “Sherlock Gnomes” “Smallfoot” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” “Tall Tales” “Teen Titans Go! To the Movies” “Tito and the Birds”

FOOD

FABULOUS FOOD &

FAMOUS FOLKS

Actor Darius McCrary with Chris Foster, host of the Entertainment beat on myKEEtv at Taste of the Caribbean Restaurant in LA.

A TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN IN HOLLYWOOD

Celebrity chef Bernard James with actresses, Christina Milian (R) and Karrueche Tran (L). The actresses were enjoying brunch with the family at Taste of the Caribbean Restaurant in LA.

Celebrity chef Bernard James, soca singer Destra Garcia and actor Rob Riley at Taste of the Caribbean Restaurant in LA.

INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS

Barbados Independence Celebrations in LA The Barbados Association of Southern California hosted A Taste of Barbados independence dinner in Long Beach. The event commemorated the 52nd anniversary of independence for Barbados and the fifth anniversary of the organization. BASC honored NASA safety engineer, Barbadian, Victor C. Murray with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Among the highlights of the evening was an electrifying performance by the Barbados 2018 Calypso Monarch, Anderson “ Mr. Blood" Armstrong. See more on myKEEtv.com.

Left: Victor C. Murray accepts a Lifetime Achievement award from Sandra Cutting-Roach, president of BASC. Right: Racquel Marshall, TV presenter on myKEEtv interviews Murray.

Left: Barbados 2018 Calypso Monarch, Anderson “ Mr. Blood" Armstrong

Right: Racquel Marshall, TV presenter on myKEEtv interviews BASC president, Sandra Cutting-Roach.

Barbados Association of Southern California hosts

INDEPENDENCE GALA NOVEMBER 2018

IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF KARIBBEAN EXPRESSIONS MAGAZINE

Carnival in Hollywood  EXCLUSIVE! CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IN LA

Subscribe now at myKEEtv.com

www.myKEEtv.com

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If you love the Caribbean, like us online. #myKEEtvLA

ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainer extraordinaire, Christopher Foster is host of the Entertainment beat Hollywood.

The multitalented international artiste has been charming audiences for almost two decades. He dominated the entertainment scene in the Caribbean and has toured the USA – entertaining in cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Chicago. His versatility as an artiste is unmatched; he is a host, dancer, singer, disc jockey, talent manager & more.

CHRIS FOSTER

hosts the Entertainment beat Hollywood As a former host of Tom Joyner’s Fantastic Voyage cruise, Foster has introduced celebrated names like Patti LaBelle, LL Cool J and Bobby Brown. He spent four years as host of the cruise for the American radio talk show host.

Chris excels in entertainment as well as business. He has served as entertainment manager at one of Jamaica’s most prestigious resorts. Foster is also creator of One Hundread Clothing brand and One Hundread Productions. In his island home, Jamaica, he has appeared in major TV commercials and was the star of a reality TV series based on his life.

Chris looks forward to another exciting season hosting the entertainment beat Hollywood. The show features celebrity interviews, live performances and is filmed in studio in front of a live audience.

Chris Foster with guest host, actress/model Shahene Ray on the set of the Entertainment beat in Los Angeles.

ENTERTAINMENT KEE Caribbean Magazine | Vol 9 Nov. - Dec. 2018

CHRIS FOSTER

hosts the Entertainment beat Hollywood In photo above: Chris Foster and Racquel Marshall interview model/actress, Melinda Smith.

Two years ago, the Entertainment beat Hollywood made its historic TV debut. It represented an unprecedented move for the show, its producers and the Caribbean community in Los Angeles. It premiered prime time in more than 20 territories. The show first aired on CaribVision cable. It is the first LA/Hollywood-based Caribbean TV program of its kind to hit TV screens across the globe. Log on to myKEEtv.com for air times and channel listings.

Chris Foster (L) with guests on set: ( L-R) Entertainers Betty Rox, celebrity choreographer; Raheem the singer, social media sensation; Janeisha John, former Miss Virgin Islands/guest host and Racquel Marshal.

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